Flexibility is a huge part of the big picture when it comes to your overall fitness. There are a few different types of flexibility – corrective, active, functional – but I am going to specifically weigh in on corrective and functional flexibility today. There are so many myths out there surrounding stretching… When should I stretch? How should I stretch? Should I even stretch at all? These are all common questions that I hear relating to stretching and flexibility. Static stretching and dynamic stretching are two of the most widely known forms of stretching, which are both different types of corrective and functional flexibility.
Corrective flexibility is used to help improve muscle imbalances and altered joint motion. Static stretching falls under corrective flexibility. According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), static stretching “is the process of passively taking a muscle to the point of tension and holding the stretch for a minimum of 20 seconds.” In other words, static stretching is one of the most traditional and commonly known ways to stretch. Standing with your legs straight and reaching for your toes while holding it for 20 or more seconds would be an example of static stretching. There are tons of static stretches you can do, but a few examples include:
Standing Gastrocnemius (Calf) Stretch
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Standing Quadriceps Stretch
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Deltoid (Shoulder) Stretch
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When should static stretching be done? Static stretching may be done before and/or after your workout. I personally prefer to use static stretching as a cool down to my workouts. My muscles are already warm, so it’s easier for me to stretch them. It’s also a great way to mentally and physically cool down your body after an intense workout.
Functional flexibility is “integrated, multiplanar soft tissue extensibility, with optimum neuromuscular control, through the full range of motion” (according to NASM). Whoa, pretty loaded explanation there, eh? In other words, functional flexibility is more of an advanced level of flexibility. It is a movement with no compensations. Dynamic stretching falls under functional flexibility. According to NASM, dynamic stretching “is the active of extension of a muscle, using force production and momentum, to move the joint through the full available range of motion.” A prisoner squat or a walking lunge (using body weight) would be examples of dynamic stretching.
When should dynamic stretching be done? Dynamic stretching is recommended for those with good levels of tissue extensibility, core stability, and balance before undertaking this more advanced form of stretching. It is a great pre-workout warm up as it warms up your muscles and gets you moving. Dynamic stretching is personally one of my favorite ways to warm up for my workouts. It mentally and physically prepares me to get psyched up for my workout.
Ok, I’m going to stop there for now. I could go on and on about this, but I don’t want to get too overwhelming or wordy. I’m thinking of doing a mini series on flexibility since there is SO much information surrounding this important topic. What do you guys think? Would you benefit from this? Let me know!
Questions:
- Would you like to see a mini series on flexibility/stretching?
- Do you incorporate static and/or dynamic stretching within your workouts?
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Typically I like to do dynamic stretching before a workout and static stretching afterwards. I like dynamic stretching because it gets your heart rate up and stretches your muscles. It is always good to stretch and it is so easy to forget or skip.
I love stretching, but I usually don’t take enough time as i should to do it. Working out in the morning before work, I am on a pretty tight schedule. To fit in stretching I would have to get up even earlier. As annoying as that might be, I should probably consider this.
stretching is my weakness. I never do it and i really really should. As soon as I am done my workout I am using rushing to do soemthing else but i really need to take the time to stretch, it would improve my future workouts i know!
Oof! This post has NASM written all over it
you betchya!
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t stretch enough, especially prior to a work out. When I teach bootcamp I do try to ensure that we do some dynamic stretching during the warm up though.
dynamic stretching makes a great warmup!
I would LOVE to hear more about flexibility! It’s very important and something I really need to work on! I’d love to learn some good dynamic stretching moves to do before workouts/runs!
perfect – thanks for the feedback girl!
I think a series would be great! Perhaps focusing more on dynamic stretching because that isn’t (at least it doesn’t seem like) discussed as often!!
absolutely – thanks for the feedback pretty lady!
I think that would be great! I always try to do dynamic before a workout and static after. I always feel that if I do any static stretching before my workout I may end up pulling something. Especially if I workout in the morning.
Have a great day!
i also enjoy dynamic for a warmup and static for my cooldown. dynamic stretching is a GREAT warmup option!
I would love to hear more! Thanks for the post : )
I think I need you as my personal trainer! =) I’d never heard of dynamic stretching, but with my running hip/groin pain, I think it might be a good idea to incorporate it!
absolutely! i would recommend it. i think i’m going to do another post that goes more into detail on dynamic stretching. let me know if you ever need help/have questions!
Stretching is SO important in any fitness regimen–so I totally love this stuff
A series would be great. I’ve recently gotten better about stretching but I need some new moves!
I am horrible about stretching, so I’d love to see a series about it. I “stretch” every morning, whether I’m working out that day or not. It’s not really stretching as much as it is cracking all of my joints… it really bothers me if I don’t do it! I really only stretch after working out if I’m afraid I’ll get sore.