Leg Swings - Dynamic Stretching Technique

This page provides details for the dynamic stretch known as Leg Swings (or Leg Kicks). This dynamic stretch is used by martial arts students in order to stretch their legs, warm-up their lower body and achieve higher kicks (i.e. axe kicks). Leg swings work on areas such as hips, quads, hamstrings, etc. In contrast to traditional static stretches, dynamic stretches involve smooth and steady movement within a natural range of motion in order to warm-up muscles and tendons. These are not ballistic stretches. A similar stretch is known as the Frankenstein Stretch or Frankenstein Walk.

All stretches should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For additional stretches and exercises, please visit the main Martial Arts Stretches, Dynamic Stretches and Yoga for Martial Arts sections.