Static Stretches before a workout are not ideal for before your workout. They are compared to trying to stretch a brand new piece of gum, they rip. The gum that’s wet and chewed will stretch a lot more than its counter part. So active stretching before a work out is ideal.

The top 5 active fitness stretches include:

1. Neck stretches are very important, be sure to warm up the neck by doing sideways stretches, forward stretches, and stretches going all the way around one way, and then the other way. Don’t disregard your neck, it is a very important muscle group, and injuring it would hinder your progress in your fitness goals and also your life. A neck injury is a horrible thing to have.

2. Lower and upper back stretches are vital for your success in fitness. Start by hyperextending your back and then going into the child’s pose making sure to hit all the necessary positions on the way. Alternate back and forth from the hyperextension to the child pose until you feel that part of your back warmed up.

3. Lunges are great to warm up your legs for some work. A good deep stretch during the lunge will be great for your warm up. Walk a room back and forth with lunges and you’l be sure to feel the warm up on your legs.

4. Knee to chest stretch is great for your lower back and glutes. Switch knees for single knee to chest stretches.

5. Laying down, twisting spine stretch is a great warm up for your lumbars and spine. It is a very important stretch to keep your your back healthy during and after the workouts.

Pre workout active stretching is very important for your longevity and career in fitness. It will make you warm, loose and most importantly injury free.