Stretching before and after your workout is as important as the workout itself. Before your workout, you warm up your muscles for your workout so you do not hurt yourself. However, after workout stretching is important so you do not get cramps or sore muscles the next day after your workout.
So there are 2 types of stretching and here you will find out which one you should practice and when it is the right time to do it. Do not worry, they will not bite, but if you do not know in what order you should do your stretching, you might feel a little bit stiff the next day. Keep reading and you will be fine! :)
Dynamic stretching
This is that type of stretching where you prepare your body for a workout. In other words - a dynamic stretching is a process where you use stretches that are “dynamic”, which means that you are moving as you stretch. Do not even imagine to start your workout before a dynamic warm-up, unless you want to injure yourself. Since you probably would like to avoid that, then keep reading.
By doing dynamic stretching, you will activate your muscles that you will use during your workout routine. If you jump right into your workout routine without stretching, it will take some time for your body to perform optimally.
It is proved, that if you do dynamic stretching before your workout, it can help you lift bigger weights and increase your overall performance during your workout session rather than not stretching at all. If you would like to perform better or get stronger, then dynamic stretching before your workout, will be your “best friend” from now on.
Take in mind that, a good dynamic warm-up includes 2 important steps:
- A light aerobic warm-up
- And dynamic warm-up exercises
If you do these 2 simple steps, you will be good to go!
Static stretching
Now, we have come to point where you have done your workout and now you should stretch again. YES, again! :) But in this time, the stretching will be a little bit different than the previous. What surprise, right? However, this little difference is very important for you and your body. So keep reading, my friend.
Does this bring memories back: sitting on the flour in P.E. class while reaching for your toes and holding this position for good 30 seconds. Can you now see the difference between these 2 types of stretching? Yet, we will explain to you why it is important.
The main goal is to release tension in your muscles, by making your muscles flexible. This will help you to feel much better after your workout so you do not walk like a duck, because of your sore muscles. Haha. Just held your body in a little bit challenging but comfortable position for a period of time. These could be 15, 25 or 30 seconds. If you would hold longer, then go for it.
See, this was not so bad. We are here to give you valuable advice, so you could perform better and feel, better. Just remember - before a workout, you need to do dynamic stretching, which is moving your body while stretching. However, after your workout do a static stretching, which means you have to hold your body in one position, while stretching, for 10 to 30 seconds or more.
Remember these two simple, yet important things and you will be just fine. Have a nice day from Treinio team! :)