Sports Medicine

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Dynamic Stretching

Though somewhat similar, dynamic stretching is different from Ballistic stretching. Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing the range of motion and or speed of movement. In comparison, ballistic stretches involve trying to force a part of the body beyond its range of motion. In dynamic stretches, there are no bounces or 'jerky' movements.

An example of dynamic stretching would be slow, controlled leg swings, arm swings, or torso twists, that gradually take you to the limits of your range of motion. Dynamic stretching exercises (e.g. leg raises, arm swings) should be performed in sets of 8-12 repetitions. Dynamic stretching improves dynamic flexibility and is quite useful as part of your warm-up for an active or aerobic workout (such as a dance or martial-arts class).

Related Pages

• stretching books
• list of stretches