Flexi Time
MOST PEOPLE hate stretching. Whether before or after a race, or just to iron out some job-related aches and pains, a perfunctory lunge and touching of the toes is the minimum exercise required to retain some level of flexibility. But who knows what stretches are best and how often we should do them?
Hong Kong stretch expert Chris Watts has long been running his clinic, Stretch, where he practises Active Isolated Stretching (AIS), gently pulling, pushing and massaging clients' muscles back to health. Increasingly, Watts is finding himself fully booked with people who have left it until they're in great pain before organising a visit.
'In this clinic, 80 per cent of my clients have a pain issue,' he says. 'Some come because they're stiff and need bodywork, manual therapy and stretching. Basically, we do detective work on our clients. But you don't have to be damaged to come to physical therapy.'
To promote stretching as a way of preventing injuries rather than curing them, Watts has set up a maintenance studio for pre- and post-clinic care. This Saturday, Aaron Mattes, who founded AIS, will be in Hong Kong to open Watts' new clinic, The Flexibility Studio.
Mattes, a former sports coach, went back to basics to invent the AIS method, after identifying problems with the way athletes were training. He teaches that prolonged static stretching prevents blood from flowing to muscle tissue, creating a buildup of lactic acid and increasing the risk of micro tears.
He says the AIS two-second stretch repeatedly pumps oxygenated blood into muscle tissues, without triggering the protective stretch reflex that activates after about three seconds. This shorter stretch allows the muscle to lengthen safely.
Not only does stretching maintain a properly functioning body, it helps prevent injuries for athletes and can boost athletic performance.
'Strength plus flexibility equals power,' says Watts. Without one or the other, an athlete's power is limited. He gives the example of a runner whose greater length of stride could make all the difference when competing.
Watts says the new open-plan studio, which is similar in setup to a gymnasium, provides the space for instructors to tailor a series of stretches for individuals or team.
There will be an emphasis on educating people how to stretch at home between studio sessions, and which exercises to concentrate on for their way of life, chosen sport or particular problems.
Instructors will also help people with the initial, important step of correcting their posture. 'When you run, you are putting three times your body weight on each and every structure of your body,' says Watts. 'If you have alignment problems and do a lot of exercise, they will be exacerbated.'
He says few people realise how essential correct posture and good flexibility is in daily life.
Looking down from the AIS clinic, Watts says he has a bird's-eye view of the postural problems many Hongkongers have. Pointing out different people on the street below, he diagnoses rotations, leanings, advanced contractions and all sorts of asymmetrical alignments that may cause aches and pains now or in the future. It's a fascinating insight into the anatomical world and makes you wonder what messages you are giving when you stroll down the street yourself.
Stretch is holding a free open day on Saturday, 4/F, Winsome House, 73 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2167 8686
Individual session $500 per hour (discounted prepaid packages available). Group rates: up to five, $250 per hour per person, five to 10, $200, 10 to 20, $150
Aaron Mattes will hold a seminar on Active Isolated Stretching at Hong Kong Football Club, Sports Road, Happy Valley, Thursday, 7.30pm, and Hong Kong Management Association, April 13, 6pm. For details, or to register, call Stretch on the above number.
