Still reaching down to touch your toes before going for a run? You may not be doing your body any favors. For a warm-up, “the static stretching that most people think about, actually, is probably not the best idea,” explains Juan Quiroga, a doctor of physical therapy and owner of Excel Physical Therapy of Naples. He adds that these stretches are better performed at the end of your exercise routine. For your pre-workout prep, he recommends dynamic stretching instead. The practice involves moving joints and muscles in different areas of your body to increase your muscle temperature. Quiroga also emphasizes the importance of preparing for exercise and paying attention to your body when you stretch. “Being present means that [stretching] is a part of the overall conditioning,” he says. “It’s…
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Naples Illustrated (Digital) - 1 Issue, December 2022