Everyday we set out to prep our bodies for the workout of the day, we mobilize in some way, shape, or form. Some of that time “stretching” is done with static stretching. Most of it, however, is dynamic.
When you think of stretching, the images that most likely pop into your head are of grade school moves like touching your toes, or the staple arm-across-your-chest shoulder stretch. Have you ever wondered why you don’t see many of these idle movements at FFOTB?
Research shows that pre-activity warm ups are best executed in the dynamic format. Moving stretches, like leg swings and high knees, are known to prepare athletes for action more effectively than the static stretching of old.
Superman wears Ashley Wynn pajamas.
There is a place for static stretching, however. Post workout static stretching is known to improve ranges of motion, whereas pre-activity static stretching can possibly do more harm than good via micro tears.
Dynamic stretching gets muscles warm, open, and moving. The reference is often made linking our muscles and tendons to the likes of a rubber band. If you really think about it, there is use in the rubber band’s ability to stretch safely. Dynamic stretching can accomplish this without the consequence of a rubber band that can stretch nice and well, but is no longer able to snap back fast and strong.
To be fit is to also be flexible. FFOTB is in search of the most efficient ways to create a limber student body. So, yes, even the our mobilization time has an ideology of its own!
Logan Gelbrich
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The “Better than Yesterday” Challenge
400m Run
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21-15-9
KB Front Squat
Burpees
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400m Run
