Recap from last week: Sometimes stretching just feels good, and there’s definitely a time and place for it. However, we recommend dynamic movement over stretching when possible.
Taking your body and joints through its full range of motion frequently is the best way to become and stay flexible. Dynamic movements come with the added bonuses of strength, balance, and control – which translates better to functional mobility. Static stretching cannot compete!
Motion is lotion for our joints. Our joints are made to move and they have a really cool self-lubricating system, promoting nutrient-rich fluid, activated by the movement itself. Our bodies are very powerful and have many built-in systems to restore and sustain function. And we encourage people to tap into this resource, as it is the most natural and readily accessible to them.
The other key benefit to performing a more dynamic stretch is that the muscle & tendon tissues undergo a larger amount of tensile loading. And if the body can tolerate this, it is ideal for building up the capacity to tolerate even more loading. This is how our bodies adapt and become more resilient!
Watch the video to see dynamic drills that can serve as an alternative to the stretches that were covered last week.
- Calf eccentrics – improves ankle dorsiflexion range of motion AND strengthens the calf/achilles tendon.
- Slider backward lunges – improves hip extension range of motion, stretches your hip flexors, AND builds dynamic strength & control.
- Down dog – Improves shoulder overhead range of motion AND lengthens/loads the latissimus dorsi muscle.
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