Stretch on the days that you want to feel revitalized!

For decades, static stretching was considered the gold standard of stretching techniques.  It is a method of elongating a muscle to tolerance and holding the position for a period of time, sometimes up to 60 seconds.  However, studies show that prolonged static stretching triggers the protective stretch reflex thus causing a contraction of the very muscles being lengthened.  It decreases blood flow within the tissue thereby creating localized ischemia and lactic acid buildup that contribute to muscle fatigue and soreness.  Tendons and ligaments get stretched more than the muscles, which can lead to irritation and even laxity, similar to the effects and consequences of trauma and overuse syndromes.  

Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), on the other hand, is a gentle technique performed no longer than two seconds to allow the target muscles to optimally stretch without activating antagonistic muscle group contraction.  AIS uses active movement, reciprocal inhibition, and multiple repetitions to deliver greater amounts of blood, lymph, and nutrition to specific regions.  Unlike static stretching, AIS provides maximum benefit without opposing tension or resulting trauma.  

AIS was developed by kinesiologist Aaron Mattes over the past 40 years, spending well over 250,000 hours in sports participation, sports and health instruction, rehabilitation, athletic training, adapted physical education, sports medicine, and training and prevention programs.  

AIS, best known in the context of athletic stretching for performance enhancement, has likewise proven its worth in injury prevention, rehabilitation, postural restoration, longevity enhancement, and general health.