During warm-up, static stretches should be saved for the end. Which option best reflects this guidance?

• A. They should be the primary focus
• B. They should be avoided entirely
• C. They should be saved for the end of the workout
• D. They should be done at the start

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is how to time flexibility work within a warm-up to protect performance while still gaining mobility. Static stretches are most effective after the body is already warmed up, because the muscles are more pliable and the stretch won’t blunt strength or power for the upcoming activity. By saving static stretches for the end of the warm-up (before you move into the main work), you get the flexibility benefit without compromising performance during the explosive or technical parts of the workout. This is why that option is the best fit.

Choosing static stretches at the very start can reduce force and speed output, which is not ideal when you’re preparing for higher-intensity work. Treating static stretches as the primary focus of the warm-up misses the goal of priming the body with movement and readiness. And avoiding static stretching entirely ignores a useful flexibility component that can aid range of motion and injury prevention when done at the right time.