D is for Dynamic Flexibility
Dynamic stretching is the preferred way to warm up your muscles, and prepare the body for the demands of your workout, or sport. It will improve your range of motion, improve your body awareness and a dynamic warm up has even been found to increase performance and decrease injury.
Here are a few movements to warm up all the major muscle groups:
Frankenstein monster toe touches-kick your leg straight in front of you, touch your toe
Knee Hugs-bring your leg up in front of you with a bent knee, hug your knee to your chest
Side to side lunges-start with your feet together and lunge side to side
Step front lunge with upper spine reach-step to the front and reach your arms overhead and arch your sternum up and back
Arm swings front and back-swing your arms in front of your chest, palms down, then swing back, palms up
Arm swings with torso rotation-let your arms hang at your side and rotate your shoulders side to side
Prone scorpion with toe touches- lie face down with arms out like a “T”, rotate hips and try to touch one toe to the opposite side
Note: Always stay within your comfortable range of motion.
After your dynamic warm up...you can do anything!
Recent studies have shown that static stretching (holding a stretch for an extended period of time) actually decreases strength and performance…so save those for the end of your workout!
BRILLIANT. EASY. BESPOKE.