Stretch-ease™ Activities

See this Seattle Times Article

The Stretch-easeT stretch band improves dynamic stretch and strength by:

• using resistance to stretch and strengthen the muscles simultaneously
• stretching a muscle group while stablizing an opposing body part
• creating countertensional pressure or pull between the upper and lower body

The benefits realized from using the Stretch-easeT resistance band are:

• supported and pain free exercise
•   increased ligament strength at the joints
• increased overall body coordination
• no build up of tension

This method promotes muscle elasticity, body alignment, coordination, and development of a solid body core. It's popular with dancers and athletes. Stretch-easeT bands provide sensory feedback that facilitates a more efficient use of energy and body mechanics while strengthening and stretching.

Core Strengthening
You can perform abdominal exercises while taking the strain off your neck, shoulders, and hip flexors.  Wrap Stretch-easeT around your shoulders like a cape, put one or both feet into the fabric and while using the counter-tensional pressure lift your body up against one or both legs.  Stay there and breath into the center of your body. Try to keep a neutral pelvis (not arched or tucked) as you pulse your arms against the resistance.

Stretches For Sides, Arms, Back, and Legs
As you stretch your arms, shoulders, and sides, press into the resistance of Stretch-easeT.   Stretch your hands wide or make fists when pressing against the fabric. Press with your feet and hands as you arch.  Stretch your front while you work your back.  Try one leg, two hands.  Two legs, two hands.  One hand, one leg.  You can use it to support your head and neck in difficult abdominal exercises. Try to find ways to use the fabric to resist the stretch, pressing while you are stretching.  This helps to stabilize opposite muscle groups while stretching.  Start easily with short sets. 
 
Feel the root of your leg movement deep in the hip.  Listen carefully to what YOUR body can manage.  Never push beyond what feels safe.

If you are a fitness instructor
see the Elastablast to put fun and creativity into your exercise class!

• Put fabric around your shoulders and put your feet in so you are completely inside Ask  "How many ways can you move with your body completely inside the band?
• Put music on and allow enough time to explore lying down on your back, sides and stomach, standing, rolling, and moving across the floor all while inside the band.

What The Players Can Do

• Developmental Warm-up.  If you only have one band put two or three players inside one to start.  Each player must use the resistance by either pulling or pressing a body part. Call out cues.  1. expanding/contracting  2. head/tail  3. right side/left side  4. upper/lower  5. upper right/lower left, reverse  6. hanging  7. swinging   Two players inside one band pulling back and finding different balance positions.  Try seesaw, one moving up while other is moving down,
• One player is the driver the other the rider.  Explore possibilities of positioning (eg. rider holding outside/driver inside) The driver initiates while rider follows to a designated point or object in the room.

Stretch Ease Page

Full Year Limited Warranty
All Dye-namic Movement Products are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one full year from date of shipment. All equipment will wear with use and no guarantee is made against normal deterioration. We recommend you establish a regular inspection program of all equipment, fittings and support systems to guard against injury. Any alteration of equipment or use of equipment in a non-recommended fashion voids all warranties.

Limitation of Liability
Our products are intended for use with adult supervision. Though we use the finest materials available, we cannot guarantee freedom from injury. The user assumes all risk of injury.