As a fitness writer and personal trainer it’s my job to test and coach different exercises and stretches. So I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this video by movement expert and yoga teacher Sonya, known as sonykca on Instagram, because there were a few moves I hadn’t tried before.
In the Instagram Reel, Sonya demonstrates how to do five dynamic poses that move the muscles and joints through their full range of motion. Not only is it a great way to mobilize the body and increase energy levels, this style of stretching helps you to get deeper into each movement, improving both mobility and flexibility. Scroll down to try the stretches and see how they feel.
How to do these dynamic stretches
Sonya recommends doing each movement for 30 seconds and holding for 30 seconds at the end of each one.
What is dynamic stretching?
Dynamic stretching involves repetitive movements that allow you to gradually increase the range of motion with each repetition, and is the type of stretch commonly used to warm up before a workout. It is different from a static stretch which is when you hold a muscle in its lengthened position.
Typically you will move through a dynamic stretch for longer than a static one, and this allows you to get deeper into the movement.
On another occasion, try these static hip stretches to see if you prefer one style of stretch over the other.
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