What Active Stretching Actually Means and How to Incorporate It Into Your Mobility Training

When talking specifics, stretching terminology can get confusing. “Passive” and “static” generally refer to the same old-school method of relaxing into a stretch and holding it for 30 to 60 seconds. But when a coach or trainer recommends doing “active” stretches before a run, they may not be referring to the typical “dynamic” stretches you see most runners drill before hitting the road. (Think: leg swings, butt kicks, and walking lunges.) While dynamic moves can certainly offer benefits, active stretching looks a little more like static stretching than dynamic, despite being completely different. (Like we said, it can be confusing!) To bring some clarity to the topic (and your warmup), we asked a couple of experts to answer the question: “What is active stretching?” Below are their answers, as well as guidance on how and when to do the best active stretches for runners. [View in Browser]( [Runner's World Logo]( [SHOP]( [RW+ EXCLUSIVES]( [SUBSCRIBE]( [What Active Stretching Actually Means and How to Incorporate It Into Your Mobility Training]( [What Active Stretching Actually Means and How to Incorporate It Into Your Mobility Training]( [What Active Stretching Actually Means and How to Incorporate It Into Your Mobility Training]( When talking specifics, stretching terminology can get confusing. “Passive” and “static” generally refer to the same old-school method of relaxing into a stretch and holding it for 30 to 60 seconds. But when a coach or trainer recommends doing “active” stretches before a run, they may not be referring to the typical “dynamic” stretches you see most runners drill before hitting the road. (Think: leg swings, butt kicks, and walking lunges.) While dynamic moves can certainly offer benefits, active stretching looks a little more like static stretching than dynamic, despite being completely different. (Like we said, it can be confusing!) To bring some clarity to the topic (and your warmup), we asked a couple of experts to answer the question: “What is active stretching?” Below are their answers, as well as guidance on how and when to do the best active stretches for runners. When talking specifics, stretching terminology can get confusing. “Passive” and “static” generally refer to the same old-school method of relaxing into a stretch and holding it for 30 to 60 seconds. But when a coach or trainer recommends doing “active” stretches before a run, they may not be referring to the typical “dynamic” stretches you see most runners drill before hitting the road. (Think: leg swings, butt kicks, and walking lunges.) While dynamic moves can certainly offer benefits, active stretching looks a little more like static stretching than dynamic, despite being completely different. (Like we said, it can be confusing!) To bring some clarity to the topic (and your warmup), we asked a couple of experts to answer the question: “What is active stretching?” Below are their answers, as well as guidance on how and when to do the best active stretches for runners. [Read More]( [Read More](   [Curious If You Time-Qualify for Major Marathons? Each Race Has Different Standards]( [Curious If You Time-Qualify for Major Marathons? Each Race Has Different Standards]( Keep these standards in mind for motivation on race day. [Read More](       [Try This Pasta for Plant-Based Protein While Training]( [Try This Pasta for Plant-Based Protein While Training]( Fuel yourself with a pick that promises to rev up your performance. [Read More](   [Cross-Country Season Is in Full Swing—Here’s Why Spectating Is Just as Demanding as the Race]( [Cross-Country Season Is in Full Swing—Here’s Why Spectating Is Just as Demanding as the Race]( Cheering on cross-country runners is its own exhilarating workout. [Read More](       [Reusable Aid Station Water Cups Are Gaining Traction at Races]( [Reusable Aid Station Water Cups Are Gaining Traction at Races]( Hiccup is a service that has been used at Grandma’s Marathon and the Chicago Marathon start line. Now it’s partnering with NYCRUNS, which hosts over 75,000 runners each year. [Read More](   [The New York City Marathon Has Segments Through Parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan]( [The New York City Marathon Has Segments Through Parts of Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Manhattan]( When you cross the starting line on Staten Island, make sure you have a plan for all five boroughs. [Read More](   [90-Day Transformation Challenge: Abs](   [LiveIntent Logo]( [AdChoices Logo]( Follow Us [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Notice]( | [CA Notice at Collection]( Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2023 Hearst Magazines, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779