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Dynamic Stretches
When you're getting ready to run, ride a bike, play tennis, or do some other activity that requires limber joints and muscles, skip the static stretches like lying on the floor and pulling your knee up to your chest. Instead of tuning you up, these stretches may undercut performance.
Dynamic stretches, like the ones in this video, are a better warmup routine. They will loosen your joints to improve your range of motion and improve blood flow to tissues throughout your body. This helps your cells get the oxygen and energy they need for any athletic endeavor.
Stretching is an excellent thing you can do for your health. To discover simple, yet effective moves that can help you limber up for sports, improve your balance and prevent falls, increase your flexibility, and even help relieve arthritis, back, and knee pain, checkout the Stretching Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
Additional Videos:
Everyday stretches that can be worked into any exercise or stretching routine »
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Bird dog exercise for your core: How to do it safely
Gout and heart disease: What's the connection?
Hearing loss in noisy environments
Hyaluronic acid for skin: Benefits, how to use it, and side effects
Weight cycling linked to increased muscle loss
Self-directed cognitive behavioral therapy may help alleviate chronic pain
What men should know about proposed changes for testosterone therapy
Ashwagandha: Benefits, side effects, and safety concerns
Hearing aids: Types, costs, over-the-counter options, and AirPods
Meditation techniques: How to meditate for stress, sleep, and focus
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