Balancing Your Muscles

Muscle Imbalance can jeopardize the integrity of your musculoskeletal system and create instability that leads to injury.  Muscle Imbalance results when the STRONG muscles overshadow the WEAK muscles.  This throws off the body's equilibrium and puts you at a greater risk for strain and pain.  Many people suffer from lower back pain.  Did you ever wonder why?  When muscles are imbalanced, they have unequal amounts of tension on either side of the joint.  When one muscle is doing most of the work- it becomes too TIGHT.  The other one becomes weak and fatigued!  However, there is a solution without surgery or pain medication....CORRECT THE IMBALANCE!!!  When each muscle on either side of the joint has an equal amount of tension, then the joint is in a "neutral" position.  This neutral position allows the joint to move normally and keep each muscle doing an equal amount of work.  In this scenario, the Muscles are Balanced and you will have long-lasting relief from pain without surgery.

How do I do Active-Isolated Stretching?

There are many types of stretching and flexibility programs that are practiced today with fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and others.  Active-Isolated Stretching is a newer approach to the traditional methods of stretching and has only been recently been brought to the public's attention.  AI Stretching can make substantial improvements in muscle elasticity, adding renewed life and spring to tired out muscles.  It transports oxygen to sore muscles and quickly removes toxins from the muscles, so recovery is faster.

There are two ways you can begin to incorporate Active-Isolated Stretching into your day:

1. 1-on-1 assisted stretching sessions- You can check out my website at www.stretchforfunction.com.

    This is a one hour session that incorporates an assessment to test for Muscle Imbalances and flexibility.

     Here you will begin to learn the AI Stretch Technique and begin to utilize it daily.

2.  AI Stretch DVD- This can be purchased on my website at www.stretchforfunction.com.

     This DVD is an hour full body stretch routine that will teach you the ACTIVE-ISOLATED STRETCH 

     TECHNIQUE.  You will train your muscles to engage and disengage rapidly in an efficient, specific 

      sequence.  

Whichever method of stretching you currently use, why not give AI stretching a try.  You will be amazed by how specifically you stretch exactly where you need it most!!!

Discovering the Power of Active-Isolated Stretching

If you have been following my blog, you have a better understanding how Active-Isolated Stretching differs from Traditional Static Stretching.  Today I would like to share some of the many benefits AIS can provide:

ACTIVE-ISOLATED STRETCHING is a scientifically designed flexibility system that helps the body to function more efficiently by increasing the range of motion of the joint and aiding in neuromuscular re-education.

ACTIVE-ISOLATED STRETCHING WILL:

 *Reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries
 *Reduce postural tightness due to aging
 *Increase mobility and flexibility
 *Increase Circulation
 *Promote faster recovery
 *Prevent injuries
 *Relieve Pain

Wow, it sounds to good to be true.  I can't stress enough the Power of Active-Isolated Stretching.
If you are interested in learning more about AIS you can checkout my website at www.stretchforfunction.com.

Active-Isolated Stretching

Active-Isolated Stretching (AIS) is the only stretching theory founded upon the scientific principles governing the human body.  The movements are based on the fact that every muscle has an opposing muscle group, which contracts or relaxes, depending on the movement of the targeted muscle.  The most effective way to stretch a specific muscle, is to contract it's opposing muscle group.  This provides support for the targeted muscle, allowing it to relax and therefore stretch to its maximum capability.

Active-Isolated Stretching is radically different than the traditional stretching programs advocated in most fitness arenas in which the focus is mistakenly placed on the contraction of the muscle being stretched.  When a contracted muscle is stretched, a tug-a-war effect takes place, causing a great deal of unnecessary strain on the muscle. This can actually cause more harm than good, often leading to muscle soreness and damage.

Active-Isolated Stretching differs from traditional static stretching in that it holds a muscle in place for only one to two seconds, often with the help of a rope or band.  Traditional Static Stretching holds a muscle in place anywhere from ten to thirty seconds, constricting blood flow to the muscle, causing tissue irritation and muscle soreness.

Active-Isolated Stretching increases flexibility, mobility and health of muscles, tendons and ligaments, reducing the risk of muscle strain and tear.  If you play any sports AIS will help you run faster, jump higher, and keep you pain free.

Why do we hate to STRETCH?

Have you ever gone to a fitness class and half of the class leaves before they STRETCH at the end?  Why do we put so much emphasis on pounding our bodies, trying to get in shape, without STRETCHING?

STRETCHING is the most important aspect of your workout, if you are stretching properly.  I was introduced to a new technique called ACTIVE-ISOLATED STRETCHING (AIS)  several years ago which has changed my life.  Unlike traditional stretching, holding the stretch for 10-15 seconds, AIS holds the stretch for 2 seconds, repeating the stretch for 8-10 repetitions.  Research is finding that after 2 seconds the muscle you are trying to stretch actually goes into a contraction.  So why are we trying to stretch a contracted muscle?

Research is also finding that holding the stretch longer than 2 seconds constricts blood flow. The AIS technique is like a pump, pumping fresh blood and oxygen into the muscle. So why do we continue to static stretch which constricts blood flow?  

Why do we hate to STRETCH?  Could it be that traditional static stretching doesn't work?  If you are trying to get in shape and want to feel good doing it, I highly recommend ACTIVE-ISOLATED STRETCHING with your next work-out.