Static or dynamic… that IS the question!

I believe there is a time and place for both. Stretching holds the key to the structural foundation of the body. Without a proper and mobile support system, then what good is having a body than cannot experience a full range of motion? The muscles are like rubber bands. When they’re “cold,” they tend to tighten and seize.  Dynamic stretching “warms up” the muscles by increasing blood flow and energy throughout the body. Static stretching elongates the muscles to ensure full range of motion.

First, dynamic stretch to “get loose” and follow that up with static stretches – 5 second holds, rest for 1 second and then go “deeper” with another 5 second hold – continue until desired elasticity. After a work out the muscles will be warmed up that much more and allow for deeper static stretches and increased flexibility.

There’s a lot to be learned from the Chinese and their view of how energy flows through the body – it’s called “qi or “chi.” When emotional, mental, or physical roadblocks occur their effects tend to show as dis-eases or symptoms – Tight muscles happen to be one of those symptoms. You can stretch a muscle all day but if you have an emotional blockage, then perhaps you’re only treating the symptoms and not the cause.

Thanks for the Q!