One of the most common questions we get from our patients at Peak: “Should I stretch before I run?”
There are 2 types of stretching – static and dynamic. Which one and when?
Static Stretching: usually stationary and held for a prescribed amount of time
Dynamic Stretching: usually a controlled movement that takes your joints through their available range of motion
Peak recommends dynamic stretching prior to running! While static stretches are great for improving flexibility, they have been found to temporarily decrease strength and power. On the other hand, dynamic stretching has been shown to improve flexibility and warm up without those effects. Feeling tight after a run? Try a static stretch after!
Ask your Peak physical therapist what type of stretching is best for you!
See our post on Running Warm Up Exercises for some good dynamic stretches for running. https://www.instagram.com/p/B_gV8NNhcjT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.hss.edu/conditions_dynamic-static-stretching.asp
https://www.uwhealth.org/health-wellness/dynamic-stretching-versus-static-stretching/47947
Opplert J, Babault N. Acute Effects of Dynamic Stretching on Muscle Flexibility and Performance: An Analysis of the Current Literature. Sports Medicine. 2018;48(2):299
Kosuke Takeuchi, Masatoshi Nakamura. Influence of High Intensity 20-Second Static Stretching on the Flexibility and Strength of Hamstrings. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. 2020;19(2):429-435.
