ISCA - Introduction to Stretch Science

Introduction

The Power of Stretching system is a multi-joint program designed to improve muscle function by increasing range of motion. This is accomplished by using the rope as a training partner for improving flexibility through the scientifically proven concept of active assisted stretching. Active stretching is a technique which uses the muscles on one side of a joint (the agonist) to actively stretch the muscle on the opposite side (the antagonist). When the agonist is contracted the nervous system sends a message to the antagonist to relax (reciprocal inhibition) making the antagonist more responsive to the stretch. The rope can then be used as a training partner. When these active stretches are performed after a basic warm-up, you have a system like no other, that can provide significant improvements in flexibility in ten simple stretches that take minutes per day.

This system is designed to improve flexibility and function of all key muscle groups using ten easy to f ollow stretches and the rope. The specific muscle groups which initiate the stretch, the muscle groups being stretched and the direction of the movement are emphasized during each stretch. After the initial active stretch the assisted portion using the rope should be held for two to three seconds. Each stretch should be repeated five times.

The course is three hours in duration and combine practical training, equipment utilization, demonstrations, practical evaluations and lectures with a clearly written text to help aerobic instructors and personal trainers understand the functional movements, there potential for use in both group exercise and individualized training and their application for the Power of Stretching workout.