Looking Out For Dynamic Stretches, We Will Help You
dynamic stretches? The sports and fitness industry has immensely evolved over the last two decades. The emphasis is not just on training or playing but also factors in what you do before and after. One such area that has evolved over the years is the concept of dynamic stretches.
Looking Out For Dynamic Stretches, We Will Help You
Dynamic stretches are stretches that involve constant movement to engage and stretch out the muscles before a sport or workout. These stretches are generally a part of a warm-up and minimize the risk of an injury/muscle strain.
ynamic stretches increase an athlete’s range of motion by lengthening and
Using momentum, the soft tissues are taken to their full length and as they eccentrically contract, the muscles and tendons exert a force in the lengthened position.
They are very beneficial when incorporated as a part of the
warm-up as they improve performance
Faster muscle contraction and relaxation
Fitness and Well-being|Techniques
Increased force development and reaction time
Better muscle strength and power
Improves physiological performance
Dynamic stretches are the most effective when performed before a sporting activity or workout.
These stretches include specific movements catering to a sport or a workout and enhance the upcoming performance. A simple example can be walking on your heels and toes for 20 seconds each to stretch out the calf muscles.
Get into a downward dog position and keeping your legs straight and knees soft, start marching. Try and touch the floor with the heel of your foot.
Some of the benefits of dynamic stretches include:
Standing quad and hamstring stretch
Standing on both feet, bend one leg and pull it back and bend your upper body, Hold for 1 to 2 seconds and repeat on the other leg. This is a good dynamic stretch for your quads and hamstrings.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Raise the right knee up to hip level. Rotate it externally away from your body and plant your feet down. Similarly bring it back in front by rotating it internally and put your feet down. Repeat on the left side. This is a good warm-up for the groin muscles.
Examples of dynamic stretches and when to do them:
Lie flat on the back and bend your knees. With the palms to either side of the body, bring your hips all the way up and squeeze your glutes. Bring it back to the floor and repeat.
Lie down on your stomach and extend your hands and legs fully. With the forehead facing the floor lift the shoulders and legs off the floor. Get back to the starting position and repeat
Stand shoulder-width apart with hands extended overhead, start bending side to side through your trunk.
For the lower body: 10-15 repetitions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBvWR10w91A
Move your arms in slow circular motions clockwise and counter-clockwise.
With hands extended straight and close to either side of the body, tilt your head to one side.
For the upper body: 10-15 repetitions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwp_gTuCzPA
These were some of the examples of dynamic stretches but not all of them suffice or are relevant. The sport in question plays a very important role in structuring these stretches.
The more specific they are to the upcoming physical activity, the more beneficial. The next time you play a sport or hit the gym, take out time for some dynamic stretches to get more out of your game/workout.
Sport I Play Team
The Sport I Play editorial team — passionate sports enthusiasts covering technique tips, fitness guides, and sports stories.
