Dynamic stretching is a great way to warm up your body and extend those muscles before any physical activity. It involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. Unlike traditional stretching, dynamic stretches don’t involve holding a position. They’re easier to do, which makes them a great way to help increase your flexibilty and range of motion.
Here are 4 easy dynamic stretches that you can use to prep your body for working out.
High knees is a type of walking, where you keep your upper body relatively straight and your arms at your side, and lift your knees as high as you can with each step.
Butt kicks are the opposite of high knees and are just as easy. From a standing position, lift one foot to your butt and lower it back down, while maintaining upper body stability. Repeat on the other side.
Step overs, or crossover steps, are a great way to warm up and loosen those hips. Stand with both feet planted firmly and one leg slightly in front of the other. Make sure your feet stay on the ground as you bring the front leg across your body and step over with the other. Then alternate legs.
Ankle crossovers are a dynamic, low-impact exercise for the ankles and feet. Starting in a standing position, cross one foot over the other and briefly hold the position. Then, switch the crossing and cross the other foot. Repeat this for a few repetitions.
Try adding these dynamic stretches to your workout routine to warm up your body and improve your flexibility.
