Our Story
The Stretch ZoneĀ® method of Practitioner Assisted Stretching is for anyone wanting an active lifestyle: One that allows you to do anything from performing better at a sport to simply being able to reach a jar on the shelf. Baby Boomers are living an active lifestyle, but after a lifetime of not exercising, Stretch ZoneĀ® āre-educates the muscles.ā
The Stretch ZoneĀ® method approaches stretching from a neurological perspective. This is achieved by working with the muscle tonus (muscleās nervous tension) to acquire an optimal active range of motion. Our goal is not to make one more āflexibleā or āelasticā, but instead to be able to move more functionally by re-establishing a more ideal resting muscle tone. This re-education of the associated nerve-muscle reflex lends to movement becoming more efficient and effortless in all ranges and planes of motion.ā
Rather than pulling on our limbs to the point of soreness, Stretch ZoneĀ® works through the nervous system to achieve lasting flexibility gains. The method rests on the notion that manipulating our muscleās nervous energy is a major key to unlocking our bodyās functional flexibility. This nervous energy, known as the stretch reflex, is our bodyās automatic defense against the dangers of overstretching. Any movement that goes too far or too fast or is held for too long, past that current active range of motion, will cause your body to resist with the stretch reflex. Once the reflex kicks in, your body has effectively said āno moreā and resists the stretch. Any further attempt at stretching becomes futile straining.
FACT: Current research shows that when avoiding the stretch reflex, your muscles can lengthen to 160 percent of their resting length instantly.
How it works: The Stretch ZoneĀ® practitioners work with the stretch reflex and some lesser known but extremely powerful principles of neuromuscular behavior. Utilizing our patent pending equipment they follow specific protocols to systematically position, stabilize, isolate and manipulate muscles in a scientific way. When your body is stabilized correctly, it doesnāt have fear. It can relax and allow the full stretch to occur. The great benefit of Stretch Zoneās practitioner assisted stretching is the ability to control and alter the timing of and even overcome the stretch reflex.
Think of a car seatbelt. If you pull too quickly, it locks. If you continue to force it, youāre just stretching the material itselfāthatās what it means to micro-strain a muscle. However, if you were to pull your car seatbelt nice, smoothly and controlled, it will come out much farther.ā
Traditional stretching methods try to make you more āflexibleā or āelasticā. The Stretch ZoneĀ® method works to increase your active range of motion and quality of movement.
