Ways To Prepare For Your First Assisted Stretch Session

If you're interested in improving your flexibility and are looking for a helping hand to achieve this goal, one way to proceed is to turn to an assisted stretch practitioner. Working in a health clinic, athletic center, or out of their home, this professional can help you to perform stretches that you may find difficult on your own. Through repeated sessions, you'll be able to hit your flexibility goals — something that may not be possible on your own. Here are some ways that you can prepare for your first assisted stretch session.

Get The Right Clothing

You'll want to assemble some attire for your first assisted stretch session that will promote mobility. Clothing that fits tightly and doesn't allow your body to move freely will not work for this type of session. Athletic apparel is ideal for assisted stretching sessions, as it is typically elasticized to allow your limbs to move as far as you can move them. Shorts, athletic pants, and leggings are all appropriate to wear for your lower half, while T-shirts, tank tops, and long-sleeved T-shirts are all suitable for your upper body.

Think Of How You Want To Improve

It's ideal to visit your assisted stretch practitioner with specific goals. Rather than just saying that you want to be more flexible, think about where you want to make improvements so that your practitioner can help you as much as possible. For example, you might say that you struggle to bend down and tie your shoes, perhaps to the point that you need to sit on a chair to perform this daily activity. In this scenario, your goal for the future may be to be able to tie your shoes while standing. To achieve this goal, you can expect that your practitioner will help you with stretches in your back and hamstrings.

Document Your Aches

It's important to be able to communicate with your assisted stretch practitioner about any aches and pains that you have. The practitioner will want to challenge your body but not to the point that the exercises exacerbate any existing issues. Give some thought to this topic in advance so that you can provide as much information as possible during your first visit. For example, you might report how you feel a pinching sensation in your back or neck during certain movements. The practitioner will take this detail into account and suggest specific stretching exercises accordingly.

Reach out to an assisted stretch therapist to learn more.