Weekly Health Page Articles: Fitness Plus

Stretch It Out

Exercise is good for you, but stretching before and after exercise is even better. All too often, however, people neglect to stretch – resulting in injury. Knowing how and when to stretch is important, according to Darren Harris, BS, ACSM, health and wellness coordinator for Saint Francis Medical Center. "Stretching is a crucial part of exercise, and people should understand the difference between dynamic and static stretching techniques," says Harris. "You have to stretch properly for it to be effective."

Dynamic stretches are slow, controlled movements (like arm circles) that go through the full range of motion and are most appropriate for warming up muscles prior to exercise. Static stretches (like the hurdler's stretch) are stretch-and-hold movements that last about 10 seconds to cool down and relax the muscles after exercise.

From Weekly Health Page: Feb. 19, 2006