When it comes to working out, one of the most important yet somehow disregarded parts of a workout is stretching. While warming up before, then cooling down after a workout may seem like a negligible part of a workout, they are rather extremely vital. They not only improve your performance but also reduce your risk of injury during your exercise routine. When it comes to warmups and cool-downs, static stretching and dynamic stretching exercises are two of the most commonly mentioned and used exercises. But between these two types of stretching, which one of them is better? Should you use static or dynamic stretches first? Can you randomly switch out these exercises and still achieve the same result? In today’s article we shall be looking more into the difference between static vs dynamic stretching, not only to answer the above questions (and more) but also to understand the effectiveness of each routine and why we should use each one.
Static Vs Dynamic Stretching: Meaning
Understanding the difference between dynamic stretching vs static stretching is the easiest way to properly differentiate these two routines and know when to use them (7, 5).
Static stretching involves either sitting, standing, or lying down and holding a muscle in a single stretched position for a period of time – usually up to 30 seconds without moving. Simply stretch a given muscle (or group of muscles) to their furthest point and just hold.
On the other hand, dynamic stretching involves movement. In dynamic stretching you do slow and controlled movements to help your joints and muscles go through their full range of motion. To do a full stretch, people often do sets of 8 to 12 repetitions of the same movement. Dynamic stretches are meant to mimic the workout you are about to do. E.g. If you are about to go for a walk or a run, your warm up would include jogging or walking in place would be a dynamic stretching exercise that you could do to get you ready for the main workout.
Static Stretching vs Dynamic Stretching: Differences
For a better understanding of how these two types of stretches differ, here is a table outlining the major differences:
Static Stretching
Dynamic Stretching
Stationary – Hold still throughout the stretch
Active and includes movement of muscles/limbs
Each stretch is help for at least 30 seconds (45 seconds at most)
Involves repetitive movements done in sets with 8 – 12 reps
Done after a workout as part of a cool down session
Done before a workout as a warm up
The goal is to slowly decrease your heart rate after a workout
The goal is to gradually increase your heart rate and warm up your muscles (by sending more blood to the muscles) before a workout
Often targets a single muscle group at a time
Targets multiple muscle groups at a time
FAQs
Would You Do Static Or Dynamic Stretches First?
If you are about to workout, dynamic stretches come before the workout and static stretches come after the workout. The reason for this, as seen in the table above, is that dynamic stretches are
A good way to get your heart rate up and your muscles warmed up
Because dynamic stretches/exercises usually mimic the workout you are about to tackle they get the body, muscles, and joints ready for the workout
Warmed up muscles are less stiff, more flexible and have more range of motion which reduces your risk of injury
Research shows that dynamic stretches before a workout/sporting event can increase athletic performance and even help you do heavier lifts (1, 3).
Static stretches are best left for after a workout because
Stretching a muscle to the max and holding it in position helps release stress and tension from the muscle which promotes relaxation
Like dynamic stretching, static stretches done after a workout increase blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion of the muscles you just put to work which leads to better recovery with reduced stiffness and pain (4, 2, 6).
Is Dynamic Or Static Stretching Better?
Both dynamic and static stretching are important in their own right and neither should be held in higher regard over the other. Remember that these two types of stretching exercises help
Reduce your risk of injury in and out of the gym
Improve your balance, posture and coordination
Improve both your athletic performance and the performance of day-to-day activities
Increase blood, nutrient and oxygen circulation in your muscles
Help your joints move through their full range of motion
Increase general flexibility
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What Are Some Static Vs Dynamic Stretching Examples?
As stated above, static stretches are stationary while dynamic stretches are active requiring movement. Some examples of dynamic stretches would include walking lunges, leg pendulums, and torso twists. On the other hand, static stretching would include examples like:
Hamstring stretch – lying on your back and simply lifting one leg straight up and holding it there
Bending over and touching your toes
Cobra pose (Bhujangasana)
Start by lying on a mat, on your stomach with your hands directly under your shoulders. Your fingers should be facing forward and arms drawn in tightly next to your chest.
Press into your hands and squeeze your elbows into your torso as you lift your head, chest, and shoulders.
Lift your torso as high as you can while making sure that your elbows remain slightly bent.
Let your head drop back to deepen the pose and hold this position for 30 to 45 seconds.
Drop back to the starting position. You can repeat this 1 or 2 more times.
Here are some simple dynamic stretching exercises that you can try today:
Walking Lunges
Start by standing straight with your arms on either side
Place your feet shoulder-width apart with your knees slightly bent, keeping your spine neutral and your hands on your hips.
Take a step forward and bend, lowering your hips, knees, and ankles toward the floor until your back knee is an inch or two from the ground.
As you rise from this position, swing your back leg forward to create an anchor point and repeat the bend on the other side, creating a walk as you lunge
Hand Walks
From a standing position, bend over until both of your hands are flat on the ground
Walk your hands forward until your back is almost extended
Keeping your legs straight, inch your feet towards your hands, then walk your hands forward again
Hand walk five steps to one side, stand then turn and repeat the same walks on the other side
Any of the above mentioned stretches in the section above are perfect examples of dynamic stretches that you can do at the comfort of your home or at the gym.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the static vs dynamic stretching debate, it is best to understand that not only are both stretches essential for any workout session, but they also have multiple benefits. Don’t skip on any of them the next time you choose to exercise. Just remember that dynamic stretches are done before a workout, while static ones are for after the session during the cool down session.
DISCLAIMER:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
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