A Beginner's Guide To Assisted Stretching
AD - this post is in collaboration with stretch inc.
I first came across the idea of assisted stretching a few years ago when I was training as a PT. We spent maybe half a class learning how to help our clients to stretch after a training session, but we never really went into detail about why assisted stretching can be beneficial, other than that it could help with recovery.
Since that half hour or so in the classroom I’ve learned a lot more about how assisted stretching can help anyone - not just athletes - to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, thanks to regular assisted stretches at stretch inc.
What Is Assisted Stretching?
Assisted stretching is all about helping people reach their flexibility and mobility goals through a process of hands on guided stretches that help relieve aches, pains and tightness.
At stretch inc. stretchologists can help guide you into a deeper stretch than you might be able to achieve on your own and, speaking from my own experience, it feels amazing! I swear my neck was an inch longer after my last stretch, and my hamstrings have never been so happy.
Anybody can benefit from assisted stretching, from 18 to 80 (and older!).
A Stretchologist?!
Yes, you heard right, at stretch inc. a stretchologist facilitates your stretch and they are AMAZING people. My regular stretchologist Ellie has a background as a pilates instructor and a passion for the body and movement, while other stretchologists are yoga teachers, physiotherapists, sports therapists and PTs. All the stretchologists have an amazing knowledge of the body and movement and are really lovely professional people.
What Are The Benefits Of Assisted Stretching?
I recently caught up with stretch inc CEO Tom Dickie and this was the first question I asked!
Tom explained to me that ‘assisted stretching is a great way to support anyone who wants to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Receiving an assisted stretch from our team of expertly trained stretchologists will help lengthen your muscles and connective tissues, leading to improved flexibility and range of motion’.
One of the big reasons that I enjoy regular stretching sessions it because it can help prevent injury, which Tom tells me is because it improves muscle pliability, or the ability to stretch and work under pressure.
While the fundamental benefit of stretching is functional movement, it can also benefit your mental wellbeing as ‘when paired with controlled breathing, assisted stretching allows you to relax and reduce your levels of stress’. I know this is true for me, a 25 minute stretch session is the perfect reset when I’m stressed out from work/training/life, especially as it helps relieve the stress related tension I often hold in my shoulders and hips.
Plus a good stretch always feels AMAZING!
How Does Assisted Stretching Work?
According to Tom assisted stretching works ‘by increasing blood flow to the area, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to the muscles surrounding the joint. This, in turn, leads to reduced tension and soreness, as well as improved posture and balance’.
Does Assisted Stretching Hurt?
No! You will feel tension, but not pain. Throughout your stretch your stretchologist checks in with you and it’s a real partnership where you work with your stretchologist to get the most out of your time together and achieve your goals.
One thing to keep in mind is that assisted stretching isn’t advised if you have an injury, instead you should check out the stretch inc. recovery service which will get you back on your feet.
Why Have A Stretch And Not A Massage?
I find stretching much more accessible than a massage. Firstly you can see really benefits in 25 minutes, which when you’ve got a busy schedule is a really manageable amount of time to take out for ‘body maintenance’. Secondly, it is fully-clothed. Depending on my headspace I can find touch overwhelming and in the past it’s meant I’ve had to skip massages because I wasn’t in the right place to deal with it. Coupled with this I always feel a lot of pressure to relax when I get a massage, and that performance anxiety can be a lot. Assisted stretching isn’t like that, there’s no skin to skin touch, there are no oils and the studio is bright, light and has big windows. There are no surprises and there’s no pressure.
How Often Should I Have An Assisted Stretch?
Personally I go for a stretch about 3 times a month and I feel like that keeps my body in check. stretch inc. recommends making stretching part of your weekly routine to get the most out of it.
How Much Does Assisted Stretching Cost?
Assisted stretching is an investment. At stretch inc. prices start at £25 for 15 minutes increasing to £75 for 50 minutes, although bundles and memberships are available.
Tom Dickie is the CEO of Stretch Inc. and he is on a mission to help individuals treat their bodies right. Tom is an experienced Sports Therapist and injury rehabilitator having worked in the industry since 2009. He has worked in gyms, clinics, and with other practitioners to develop extensive knowledge about the body, how it works, and how to look after it. Tom is passionate about supporting individuals with their wellness and recovery through assisted stretching.
If you fancy giving assisted stretching a go I’ve teamed up with stretch inc. to offer you a 10% discount on your first 3 stretches with the code BETHANSTRETCH (excluding memberships and bundles) - follow this link to book online.
