What is stretch therapy?
Stretch therapy uses guided stretching techniques to help you achieve improved mobility and flexibility. The method specifically focuses on how your muscles, joints and nervous system work together. This type of stretching is known as 'PNF Stretching', or put more simply: The contract and relax approach.
Stretch therapy is for anybody: From athletes to desk workers, those suffering from chronic pain, or people who simply want to improve their mobility. It does not require a specific level of experience and is designed to be very accessible based on the wide demographic it serves.
Incorporating breathing and relaxation as one of the main components, these sessions are beneficial for both body and mind and often leave participants with a sense of freedom of movement they have not previously experienced.
The benefits reach wider than better flexibility as this method can also help support recovery from injury, enhance workout or sports performance and prevent future injury alongside promoting better day to day movement.
Workshops
The contract and relax stretching method (a type of PNF stretching) works by using neuromuscular control to increase your body's tolerance to stretching, and the pain associated with it. Whilst this sounds very scientific, the approach is simple, making it easily transferable to home practice.
During our time we will learn and apply the method (which is very adaptable and modifiable) to suit our varied physical abilities and needs. We will also explore how and when to use this form of stretching to ensure safety and success.
These sessions are a must for increasing flexibility faster than other stretching techniques and improving your range of movement. They can also help reduce pain and muscle tension and aid rehabilitation whilst reducing the risk of injury.
Widely accessible, these workshops are not limited by Pilates experience or ability. They are suitable for all age groups and you do not need to be flexible to attend. All positions are modifiable and designed to help facilitate improvement, not build on perfection! There are some kneeling components in the muscle session, however padding can be provided along-side assistance where necessary.
You are welcome to take notes, photographs etc, and will leave feeling a sense of renewed ease of movement and deep relaxation from the endorphin release associated with stretching. Part information sharing, and part practical application, these workshops will empower you to continue with an at home mobility programme on a regular basis with the tools to succeed.
Workshop dates are released ad-hoc. You can check the next available sessions using the calendar below. They are split between the spine and the muscles to cater for all needs.
Classes
Stretch therapy classes are an hour in duration and focus entirely on improving muscular flexibility and joint range of movement. Participants will work through a range of PNF stretches (a very effective and accessible form of stretching designed to produce results faster than other methods) that take a whole body approach during the available time. The content will be accessible for all levels of experience and is very modifiable to suit all needs. Stretches not covered in workshops are included, and as always, the sequencing will be diverse and engaging.Sessions run on a Monday and Thursday on a 4 weekly basis, starting 1st June. See the timetable below for dates, times and booking.
"It clarified why stretching is as important as exercising. It helped relax my mind as well as my body and helped me realise my body can be capable of more than I thought."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"I think whatever a person's ability it could be possible to build on this and benefit."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"I learnt a lot and incorporating the stretches into my week, I feel has increased my range of movement."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"It gave me an even more positive mind-set than I had before. It was very motivating."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"It really was eye opening to see how these techniques can help and improve my stretching ability."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"Anyone can do this."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"After the session my back felt beautifully stretched, almost as though I’d been oiled. Best it’s felt for ages!"
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
"There was so much useful information as well as the actual experience of trying the stretches that the time flew and a sense of calm achievement left a lasting impression."
WORKSHOP ATTENDEE
Improve your spinal mobility across the four primary directions of movement.
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25 British pounds
Learn how to use the contract/relax approach to help improve flexibility through main muscle groups.
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25 British pounds
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1 hr
15 British pounds
About your teacher
Prior to 2016
Having gained a first class honours degree Eloise worked as a Publishing Director in a legal publishing house before experiencing the repercussions of a very demanding role. She started Pilates classes due to poor physical health and back pain and found her calling.
2016-2017
Having gained a Pilates teaching qualification Eloise taught in a local gym before realising a gap in the fitness industry for those who did not want to enter that environment and set up Espilates which is now the largest community based Pilates venue in the area.
2017 onwards
Espilates continued to grow and Eloise undertook further training in Pilates for neurological conditions, breast cancer recovery, children and young adults, Barre Pilates, Healthy HIIT and more recently Stretch Therapy (certified by the APPI).
Espilates celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2027 and runs over 20 weekly classes.