Contracted Stretching: A Unique Approach to Flexibility

Contracted Stretching is a unique approach to flexibility. It involves dynamic stretching, which I like to call “yoga on steroids.” This means that the muscle is always activated as we’re stretching it. If you think about it, a lot of people have tight hamstrings and they think, “Well, I’m going to make my hamstrings looser if I bend forward and touch my toes.”

The thing is, your hamstrings aren’t activated as you’re doing that and frankly, the body can oftentimes adapt.

It’s kind of like if you’re doing a certain yoga pose and all of a sudden that pose continues to get easier, but you may still not be doing it from the right areas. By activating a hamstring and then stretching it long, we do this by resisting one another so that we’re working the muscle in its full range of motion. So you’re shortening those muscles, you’re activating the muscle fibers, and then I push the leg to make the muscles long. This means that you’re not only getting strength but also flexibility at the same time.

What is Contracted Stretching?

Contracted Stretching is a method of dynamic stretching that ensures the muscles are always active while being stretched. This approach is different from traditional static stretching methods where the muscle is not actively engaged.

By activating the muscle fibers and then stretching them, you’re working the muscle in its full range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility and strength.

The Activation Process

One of the key principles of Contracted Stretching is the activation of the muscle before stretching it. For example, when dealing with tight hamstrings, instead of just bending forward to touch your toes, the hamstrings are first activated.

This activation process involves resisting against a force which helps to engage the muscle fibers fully. Once the muscle is activated, it is then stretched, allowing for a more effective stretch that also builds strength.

Benefits of Dynamic Stretching

Dynamic stretching, as practiced in Contracted Stretching, offers several benefits over traditional static stretching. These benefits include:

Improved Flexibility and Strength: By activating and then stretching the muscles, Contracted Stretching helps to improve both flexibility and strength. This dual benefit can be particularly useful for athletes and individuals looking to enhance their physical performance.

Improved Joint Mobility: As the muscles are stretched through their full range of motion, the joints are also engaged, which can help to reduce tension and improve overall mobility.

Incorporation of Rotation

One of the unique aspects of Contracted Stretching is the incorporation of rotation into the stretching routine. By adding rotation, it helps to further unwind tension in the joints, providing a more comprehensive stretch. This rotational element can make the stretching feel even more effective and beneficial.

Overall, Contracted Stretching offers a feel-good experience that combines the benefits of exercise with the relaxation of a massage.

Practitioners often describe the sensation as feeling like they are getting a workout and a massage simultaneously. This combination of exercise and bodywork can lead to a sense of well-being and relaxation.

Conclusion

Contracted Stretching is a unique and effective approach to improving flexibility and strength through dynamic stretching. By activating the muscles before stretching them, this method ensures that you are working the muscles in their full range of motion, which can lead to better results. The incorporation of rotation further enhances the benefits, making Contracted Stretching a comprehensive and feel-good stretching routine.

Whether you are an athlete or just looking to improve your flexibility, Contracted Stretching offers a unique and beneficial approach to stretching.