Flexibility and Strength ALL in ONE.

Snap Newspaper - November 2008

Resistance Stretching (RS) Comes to Durham Region In September of 2008 James Grundy (Owner/Trainer of Optimum Bodies Personal Training and Conditioning in Ajax) went to Chicago for a training course on Resistance Stretching (RS).

I wanted to work directly with 12 x Olympic swimming medalist Dara Torres’ trainers Anne Tierney and Steve Sierra.

My interested in RS started after seeing Dara Torres and her trainers on NBC discussing this innovative and effective style of conditioning. And if you’ve seen Dara Torres’ physique and watched her performance at the 2008 Olympics you’ll know what I’m talking out. Dara out performed women half her age and has a physique that rivals any top fitness model out there. She has referred to RS as her “secrete weapon” in sports performance. RS is now being used by players in the NFL, NBA and MLB to improve performance. Since Durham region has long been a producer of elite athletes I wanted to bring something to the region that could benefit that sector as well as the general population.

RS is the practice of contracting and lengthening a muscle at the same time. It is based on the principle that a muscle is only truly flexible to the point where it can still hold a strong contraction while lengthening. Muscle dysfunctions tend to fall into two categories: strong tight muscles or long weak muscles. For example, a person may be able to wrap their legs around their ears and although impressive at parties this does not mean they are truly flexible. That same person may pull a hamstring bending over to pick up a box because they do not have adequate strength within their full range of motion. RS addresses both these dysfunctions.

 

Olympic Medalist Dara Torres and James Grundy	Olympic Medalist Anne Poleska and James Grundy

What I love about Resistance Stretching is it can be used by anyone. It doesn't matter if you are looking to reduce pain, new to exercise, or a professional athlete. Resistance Stretching offers immediate, cumulative and permanent increases in flexibility while at the same time providing strength conditioning.

Resistance Self-Stretching is performed in a class setting and lasts 30-45 minutes. Resistance Stretching with a trainer is performed with one or two trainers per individual and lasts 90 minutes. In addition to the assisted RS the session includes a massage technique called ‘Mashing’. We have client’s coming in anywhere from several times a week to once a month depending on goals and budget.