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What Is Static Stretching?

Static stretching is one type of many types of stretching. In this type of stretching you will work with just your individual muscles and will do low intensity stretching. As you know, stretching is an important part of warming up for your workout. If you are to really get the full range of motion you need to do the exercise or physically challenging activity, you will need to do these warm up exercises. But, you also should be doing cool down stretching. The perfect type of cool down stretching is that of static stretching.

What Does It Mean?

Static stretching is a type of stretching that works with just one of your muscles at a time. It is also known as passive stretching. As the name implies the methods used are smooth and easier than other methods of stretching. This is why it is the perfect type of exercise after you have finished a workout or jogged a few miles. Static stretching should be added to your workout routine for an after workout stretch.

During a static stretch, you will comfortably stretch your muscle. You’ll do this to the level that is comfortable for you to move it. By going just as far as you can comfortably go, you allow the muscle to begin to relax. Start by extended the arm or leg straight out until it is no longer comfortable to do so. Hold your position for at least ten seconds and up to thirty.

By doing the stretches in this format, you are safely extending your muscles. You are easing into it and easing into allowing your muscles to stretch out farther. In many ways, static stretching is actually the type of stretching that is considered the safest.

Although static stretching is not enough for a warm up activity, it is the right choice for cool down exercises. If you want to do some static stretches during your warm up activities, only do a few light ones. The stretch may be too aggressive for a cold muscle. But, for a warm or used muscle, it is much easier to do and allows for added benefits.

Adding static stretches to the end of your workout will help you to cool down effectively. It is also a great way to keep your muscles nimble and even helps to reduce the soreness you’ll feel the next day after your workout.