Static vs Dynamic

We all know the benefits of working out. What you may or may not know is the importance of stretching. I would like to say that we all are aware of how great stretching is. That’s evident in the boom in yoga. More and more, people are making sure to add some form of stretching as part of their workout routine.  However, I believe there’s still a large amount of the population that doesn’t factor stretching into their workouts. 


When short on time, we tend to skip stretching. We see that as the least important part of our routine. What if I told you that stretching before and after are as important as what you do in between. 


There are many benefits to stretching. Though there are plenty, we’ll just point out a few of them here:

1. Increased energy
2. Injury prevention
3. Reduced muscle tension
4. Increased blood flow
5. Less stress (yes, less stress!)

We can spend numerous seminars on the benefits of stretching, but these are just a few. 


So let’s flip back up to the title of this post and see what it says: ‘Static vs Dynamic’. Well, what is that?


Thanks for asking, I'll tell you!


Dynamic stretching is what you do before you workout. To keep it simple, it is stretching while you move. You perform movement stretches that replicate, or are close to, movements you’ll be executing during your workout. This is to allow the blood to flow through your muscles and get them warmed up and ready to go.


Static stretching is what you do after your workout. Here, your stretches are still. After a nice workout, use static stretching as your cool down to help alleviate muscle soreness. 


This is not to say that static stretching should only be performed after a workout. Yoga, a quick morning or midday stretch, or stretching at home can be a static stretching routine. However before you play a sport or put your body through a tough workout, make sure you warm it up with a dynamic stretching routine. 


Again, stretching doesn’t only have to take place when you workout. You can stretch at any time and at any place. Let’s make sure that we’re treating our bodies well and taking in all the benefits that stretching has to offer! You’ll be grateful of it in the long (and short) run. 


Be Greater!