Flexistretcher Q&A

Why is the Flexistretcher the leading stretch and strength aid used by professionals globally?

• Working with the Flexistretcher provides an inherent elastic resistance training approach to every stretch and exercise.

• The size and shape allow one to simulate dance or sport specific movement patterns.

• Unlike flimsy elastic stretching bands or stiff nylon straps, utilizing the Flexistretcher’s elastic resistance provides a safe way to actively stretch, building strength within the position by engaging small muscle contractions. This prevents one to use momentum or cheat by forcing the limb into a new range of motion. This combination of support and stretch cannot be found in any other product.

• The Flexistretcher’s size and shape allow it to be used in full body stretches (such as a ballet arabesque), but it can also be adjusted to target specific, smaller body parts (such as shoulders or hamstrings) for varying levels.

• Without the limitations of gravity and the ability to isolate specific muscles, one can concentrate on form and function of the movement.  

• Varying the resistance by adjusting the straps and altering the repetitions or pace of the exercise can add a whole new intensity, challenging your muscles in a new way.

• The Flexistretcher’s portable size and shape allow for one to keep up with their dance enhancing or sport enhancing conditioning routine from the stage, field or home. This is extremely beneficial for professionals that are always traveling.

• Built to withstand the daily use of professional dancers, the Flexistretcher’s sturdy construction and custom designed parts are guaranteed to last.

• With results observed in elite dancers for whom the Flexistretcher was initially made, it can now extend its impact to any individual looking to improve their flexibility and strength.  When applied to a regular conditioning routine, the potential for improvement and body awareness is boundless.
  

How exactly does working with the Flexistretcher improve flexibility and strength?    

• The Flexistretcher is used for facilitated stretching which is an active way of stretching that engages isometric contractions to achieve greater flexibility. Utilizing elastic resistance allows for a variable resistance throughout out an exercise, not relying on gravity, and requiring muscle activation throughout the stretch.

• As the band is stretches, the resistance increases, challenging the muscles and allowing a full range of motion. The shorter the straps are adjusted the tighter the tension, raising the intensity of the exercise. Working against this resistance forces the muscle to respond with increased effort, which promotes muscle growth, strength, and power.

• ERT (elastic resistance training methods) have been used by top athletic coaches and rehabilitation specialists for years and is quickly becoming one of the most popular types of resistance training. This way of training offers many more movements and directions of motion for exercises and requires much more muscle activation throughout.

• Elastic resistance methods have been used primarily to help regain strength after an injury; however,  they have been proven to be a valuable component for all fitness programs especially for sport and dance enhancement.. The portability of the Flexistretcher enables one to maintain an elastic resistance training regimen anytime.

• Focusing on the return phase of the movement (eccentric muscle contraction) will help to build strength of the opposing muscles groups.  This is very beneficial because like in most sports, dancers repetitively repeat the same movements resulting in a muscular imbalance. This imbalance is dangerous because especially when fatigued it can cause injury. Working again the elastic and resisting gravity by engaging a eccentric muscle contraction will help to build the necessary strength to successfully perform the required movement and avoid incorrect form.

How do you stretch with the Flexistretcher?

• The key to effective stretching and exercising with the Flexistretcher is engaging an active stretch based on Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). The PNF stretching techniques employ the concept that the muscle relaxation part of the stretch is fundamental to effectively enhancing flexibility and deepening the stretch. A popular PNF technique is the contract-relax, where the muscle is stretched, contracted, relaxed and then stretched further.

• In a contract-relax active stretch with the Flexistretcher, you assume a position and hold it there, engaging the agonist muscles. These are the muscles required in ballet to developpe the leg and hold a big extension, such as the arabesque. Then, by resisting the resistance as if you are pushing your leg down to the floor, the targeted muscles are engaged. This is followed by the relaxation phase, and finishes with moving the limb into a greater range of motion

• The Flexistretcher facilitates contract-relax PNF by providing resistance, allowing the working muscle to voluntary contract against the tension. The muscle works concentrically, shortening against the tension and then is allowed to relax. After a 5-10 second contraction followed by a 5-10 second muscle relaxation, the muscle is able to be stretched to a greater degree.

Is the Flexistretcher beneficial when you are already flexible?

• Absolutely! We recommend attaining a certain level of flexibility before performing the advanced stretches with your Flexistretcher.

• The Flexistretcher not only allows you to stretch in functional dance positions, but lets you strengthen while in the pose. The ultimate goal is not just gaining the flexibility required, but the strength necessary to sustain the movement.

• Flexibility paired with strength is imperative for functional movements required of ballet or a particular sport.  

• In ballet and most sports, extreme mobility and strength are mandatory to accomplish even the most introductory movements and necessary to advance to the top of your field.

• Utilizing the elastic resistance when performing stretches or exercises with the Flexistretcher increases muscle strength in a safe, productive manner.  

• How?  As the band stretches, resistance increases, providing a stimulus to the muscle. This resistance does not rely on gravity.  Instead, elastic resistance requires muscle activation throughout the muscle’s range of motion, eliminating the possibility of using momentum and ‘cheating’ your way through the exercise. Moreover, strength training with elastic resistance provides variable resistance to promote the development of muscular strength and endurance. In a variable resistance exercise, the force applied to the muscle varies at each stage in order to create constant tension, causing the muscle to work harder to execute the movement.

• The result is a stronger more controlled execution of functional movements necessary to be at the top of your game!

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