Many of the exercise-related benefits of stretching stem from increased range of motion, as training muscles in a greater range has been shown to increase hypertrophy and muscle fiber recruitment. For example, if an athlete is physically unable to perform a squat to below-parallel depth due to flexibility constraints, their ability to get stronger in that specific range is limited. Once flexibility increases through consistent stretching, however, that range of motion is “unlocked,” allowing the athlete to train through it. Consistent training in a full range of motion leads to greater gains and more efficient muscle contractions.

However, stretching on your own has its limits. The outer edge of one’s ability to stretch is often restricted by pain tolerance as well as the extensibility of surrounding muscles (e.g., hip flexor tightness causing cramps during a hamstring stretch). This is where having a professional assist becomes invaluable.

Assisted stretching removes flexibility bottlenecks by having a practitioner apply an external stimulus, allowing you to push further than you could alone. Techniques such as autogenic inhibition also trick the nervous system into allowing the muscles to relax more than usual, extending the range of motion both in the short term and, with consistency, the long term. Assisted stretching practitioners—who are often trainers as well—can also identify muscular imbalances and signs of inefficient movement patterns, providing critical information for athletes looking to optimize their training.

Assisted stretching returning as an available offering through MIT Recreation on June 8th, for purchase in the MIT Recreation app. For more information on pricing and purchasing please look here.