Stretching Class or Program

[Kathleen H]

Has anyone heard of or know of a class, schedule, program of (45 to 60 mins) stretching only?
Perhaps a little yoga or Pilates thrown in the mix, but mostly stretching out from tip to tail. I would like to see something or receive suggestions on creating such creature. Any thoughts??

[RaffCycles]

Our facility had one for a while. It was AI (active isolated) stretching. It was great and my flexibility improved. The class was offered as a fill-in for someone out on maternity leave and was well attended.

[joyofspin]

NYSC has club stretch series might only be 30 minutes but usually combined with some abdominal work to make it a full hour class. If I can locate my manual I will post some stuff from it.

[Kathleen H]

That would be awesome. Thanks.

[yvonne]

Yes! AI is amazing ... it's actually helping quite a bit with my torn hamstring (i know you're all sick of hearing about my hammy, lol).

AI has been around for over 35 years, developed at the University of IL, Chicago. It's based on the concept of reciprocal innervation, where in order to stretch a muscle effectively. you contract the opposing muscle for short 10-15 second intervals. The research discourages static stretching as it can lead to injury, and at the very least is rendored innefective when the "stretch reflex," is involuntarily evoked by our muscles when they're in fear of being torn.

There is a very solid program based out of New York, run by the Whorton Institute. They offer not only in house certifications, but printed materials, and instructional videos as well.

There are several organizaitons out there that teach the techniques, but You can pick up a book such as:
http://www.amazon.com/Whartons-Stretch-Book-Jim-Wharton/dp/0812926234/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/105-7091512-4221235?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181786413&sr=8-4

My (50+ y/o) boss has been practicing AI for many, many years ... in the past 4 years he's broken and rehabbed each of his hips in cycling accidents, and has come back stronger than ever, in great part to AI. so strong, that he finished the Furnace Creek 508 (RAAM qualifier,) 2nd in his age group (and 13th overall) last year, at his very first attempt!

y.