Overview
Stretching is part of every single in home personal training session and is essential for increasing your functional range of movement around a joint, better know as flexibility. There are various types of different stretching such as static, ballistic, dynamic, and PNF, which all prepare the body in different ways for exercise, prevent injury, and increase range of motion.
Application
Assisted stretching, also know as passive stretching, is performed with a trainer by applying an external force, which results in an enhanced stretch. Typically, assisted stretching is conducted at the end of a training session when the body is at a heightened temperature, which increases the elastic properties of collagen within muscles and tendons, allowing for a greater stretch. Assisted stretching can also be performed at the beginning, or for the entire duration of a session. However, performed at the end of a training session is ideal as your muscles are in a warm state and it is also a chance for you to cool down, relax, and reflect on your workout.
Benefits
• Increased joint flexibility
• Increased range of motion
• Decreased risk of injury
References: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NCSA)