What type of stretching is typically recommended before a workout?

Dynamic stretching is typically recommended before a workout because it involves active movements that gently take muscles and joints through their full range of motion. This method helps to increase blood flow, enhance flexibility, and prepare the body for the physical demands of the upcoming activity. By engaging in dynamic stretching, individuals can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury as the movements are functional and mimic the actions they will perform during their workout, effectively warming up the muscles.

While static stretching, which involves holding a stretch for an extended period, can be beneficial for improving flexibility, it is often best reserved for after a workout when muscles are warm. Ballistic stretching involves using momentum to push the body beyond its normal range of motion, which can lead to injury if not done with caution. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a more advanced stretching technique that combines stretching and contracting of the muscle group being targeted, typically utilized in rehabilitation or specific training sessions rather than as a pre-workout warm-up.