Fitness Fitness Basics

Stretching on the Move

Summary & Participants

Dynamic stretching helps prepare your body for motion.

Medically Reviewed On: August 12, 2008

Webcast Transcript

ANNOUNCER: When you think of stretching, you probably think of something that looks like this. But more and more, people are adding stretches like this to their warm-up.

MICHAEL HURLEY, FITNESS EXPERT: With a dynamic stretch, you're going to go through movements. With the dynamic movements, you're going to also let your body send signals through the body, letting your muscles know we're going to engage in some activity, so let's get prepared to do that.

ANNOUNCER: Dynamic stretching involves moving parts of your body, gradually increasing range and speed.

MICHAEL HURLEY, FITNESS EXPERT: As one muscle, you know, contracts, the other ones release and that muscle that's being released is the one that's actually being stretched out.

ANNOUNCER: Fitness expert Michael Hurley says dynamic stretching prepares your body for motion better than traditional stretches.

MICHAEL HURLEY, FITNESS EXPERT: Most athletic events, you're moving in so many different ranges of motion. And with the dynamic movements, all these different ranges of motion that we're hitting is preparing your body for that activity that you're about to do.

ANNOUNCER: But remember, pain does not lead to gain.

MICHAEL HURLEY, FITNESS EXPERT: You never want to stretch where you feel pain. Chances are, you know, you're hurting, you're stretching way past, you know, your threshold, that movement.

ANNOUNCER: It’s also important to start slowly and keep your movements fluid.

MICHAEL HURLEY, FITNESS EXPERT: Always being in control of the movement is key as well. You don't want to step out and just drop your body weight straight down really fast. You want to make sure you stay in control of the movement.

ANNOUNCER: And when you’re tired, stop! Over-doing it can actually reduce your range of motion. But done the right way, dynamic stretching can get you ready for the game! Thanks for joining us on today’s Once Daily.