Dynamic Stretching vs Static Stretching -

Just wondering what style you do and what works best to suit that training?

Ive really got into Dynamic stretching and im finding its improving my flexibility alot.

I got to full box and front splits using a combination of dynamic and isometric stretching in three months (Thomas Kurz method).

I don't do a great deal of stretching now, because I don't see the need for it really.

I do reccomend the Thomas Kurz material highly, for those who feel the need.

whats the difference between them? i just stretch a lot att gymnastics so i find it easy to stretch in lessons and the like

There's a book called 'Stretching Scientifically', by Thomas Kurz, which covers different kinds of stretching.
It get's pretty technical, describing the function of golgi receptors in relation to stretching.

Summarising somewhat from memory;

Kurz explains that, when we wake up, our muscles are relaxed, but if all we do, is then walk, cycle or drive to work, then we impose a limited range of movement on our limbs, which is hard to break out of.
If, in the mornings, you warm up and go through a full range of movement, using dynamic stretches (never to be confused with ballistic stratches), you have a higher range of movement later in the day and can therefore gain more benefit from a stretching program.

A point I liked, was him saying if your left leg can go 90 degrees sideways and so can your right, then whay can't you do box splits, because there's nothing connecting your right leg to your left.

If, while stretching, you reach a point where your muscles seem to be sending you little 'that's far enough' messages, you send them back a positive message, by contracting in the opposite direction of the stretch.

So dynamic stretches are good preparation for Isometric/Isotonic stretches.

haha yeah thats true is that, what a great piece if advice. To be honest ive always been a bit ignorant about Kurz's work. Ive known guys and gals that have started training in TKD without any previous knowledge and reach the splits withing 6 months. Ive always put it down to humans all being different!

But maybe he makes sense after all.

hmmmmmmm i just stretch in a way that suits me i dont really think about the theory behind it, i just imagine my muscles like a big piece of blue tack the more you stretch it the more it can be stretched. hmmmmmmm does that even make sense?

I read a book called "Fitness of the Full Contact Fighter" and they had a really good section on stretching. I forget what the one type of stretching is called, but the gist is that you stretch for a 10 count then relax then stretch farther creating a new stimulus for another 10 count. It works really well.

jackmcmanus2 wrote:
I read a book called "Fitness of the Full Contact Fighter" and they had a really good section on stretching. I forget what the one type of stretching is called, but the gist is that you stretch for a 10 count then relax then stretch farther creating a new stimulus for another 10 count. It works really well.

That's isometric stretching as mentioned above.

YEs its important to keep in mind that ballistic strechting and dynamic stretching are different. At one point in history they meant the same thing. Bus as I forgot in another thread to keep my terms seperate. Dynamic works within your range of motion, ballisitc goes beyond your natural range of motion.

Yup, agreed. And that's why Ballistic stretching is a quick way to injury!!

Thomas Kurtz info: http://www.stadion.com/column.html