If you’ve been working out for a long time, then you’ll already be fully aware of the benefits of stretching for the human body. This is a step in the exercise process that many people skip, but it’s incredibly important in terms of flexibility and the recovery process.
Stretching gives us an increased range of motion, and actually lengthens our muscles so that they’re able to reach further. This will eventually help you to become leaner, and make it easier to perform everyday activities.
In addition to enhancing physical performance, stretching can also help to ease things such as stress and anxiety, as it allows us to be aware and present in the current moment.
If you’ve been practicing health and fitness for a long time, then you will have come across a phrase called ‘active isolated stretching’. Chances are that if you’re currently reading this article, you’re wondering what this really means.
What is active isolated stretching, and how does it differ from all of the other stretching exercises out there? If you’ve been asking this question, then don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve compiled this handy guide that will tell you everything you need to know about active isolated stretching.
What’s The Difference Between Active Isolated Stretching And Other Types Of Stretches?
So, why don’t we just jump straight in and answer the question at hand? What really is the difference between active isolated stretching and other types of stretching activities. Well, the answer is actually pretty straightforward.
The first thing that differentiates active stretching from static stretching is that active stretching only focuses on a muscle group on one side of the body. So, for example, instead of stretching both of your arms or legs at the same time, you’re only focusing on one.
As well as this, active isolated stretching is also considered to be a repetitive movement, rather than one that’s held for a longer period of time.
For example, if we were to stretch our legs, we would perform this range of motion, and then hold it in that position for approximately 3 seconds, before bringing it back down to the ground, and then repeating it again.
There is therefore a slight difference between active stretching, and active isolated stretching.
Both active and active isolated stretching requires the movement of only one set of muscle groups on either side of the body, but unlike active stretching, which requires you to hold a particular position for longer, active isolated stretching requires fluid, repetitive, and succinct movements.
Some of you reading this article may have also heard of static stretching. This isn’t a form of stretching in and of itself, but rather covers a whole range of different stretching activities where you’re required to hold a pose for a longer period of time.
So, active stretching would fall into the category of static stretching, but active isolated stretching would not, because it requires continual movement.
The Benefits Of Active Isolated Stretching
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at what active isolated stretching really means, we can move on to discuss some of the benefits that it can provide the human body. If you’re somebody who suffers from poor posture, for example, you could benefit immensely from active isolated stretching.
Because the movements in active isolated stretching require you to move a limb in a repetitive manner, this helps you to achieve a more fluid and dynamic posture. It helps you to conduct everyday activities in a more efficient manner.
In addition to being great for your posture, active isolated stretching is also known for being great at helping to circulate blood throughout your body.
When we sit down for long periods of time, this can cause an increase in blood pressure, this can cause a lot of stress on your cardiovascular system. Conducting active isolated stretching sessions can boost lymphatic flow, and ultimately reduce your risk of high blood pressure.
Another key benefit of active isolated stretching is that it can help to improve our strength over time. As we age, we often become less flexible, and this can cause our muscles to constrict and tighten up so that we’re highly uncomfortable with many movements.
Performing active isolated stretches on a regular basis, however, can help you to become more mobile. Before each workout session, make sure that you’re conducting these stretches first, so that you can achieve the full range of motion in your workout session, and you’re loosening up tight muscles.
Finally, just like many other forms of stretching, active isolated stretching is great at relieving mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It’s an opportunity for you to focus on your body and the current moment, so that your mind isn’t spiraling with a tornado of thoughts.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, active isolated stretching differs from both static and active stretching. This is because active isolated stretching not only requires you to focus on a particular set of muscle groups on one side of your body, but it also requires fluid and repetitive movements.
There are numerous health benefits associated with active isolated stretching, with one of the main ones being increased flexibility and ease of movement. We’d recommend performing these types of stretches before a workout session.
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