In today's fast-paced world, our bodies are constantly under stress and our nervous systems are always on heightened alert. From long hours at the desk to the relentless demands of modern life, it's easy to feel tension building up in our muscles and minds. But what if there was a way to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate without the need for strenuous exercise or complex yoga poses?

Introducing PNF Stretching: Your Path to Effortless Relaxation

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching is a powerful technique that was designed  by a neurophysiologist in the 1950's to not only improve flexibility but also to calm your nervous system, increasing blood flow, reducing cortisol levels and inflammation. 

It’s official, science says longevity is linked to stretching. A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that middle-aged adults with better flexibility lived longer than those with a lower flexibility score.

After analysing data on 3,139 people (34% women and 66% men) aged 46–65 years, they were all given a body flexibility score. This score was derived from a combination of the passive range of motion in 20 movements (each scored 0–4) involving 7 different joints, resulting in a score range of 0–80.

After a long day sat at your desk or driving, it's normal to feel a bit stiff. This tightness might be in your hip flexors or lower back, but it could also be a sign of a more significant issue known as gluteal amnesia, or 'dead butt syndrome'.

Be honest, how many of us actually make time to stretch? Whether it's before or after a workout or after a long day at work, stretching is usually the thing we skip. We know it’s good for us, yet many of us avoid it. Why’s that?

Assisted stretching - making stretching enjoyable! If you want to improve your flexibility, increase your range of motion, and actually enjoy your stretching routine, then assisted stretching is the answer. At Stretch Life in Islington, London, we make stretching something you actively look forward to! It’s easy to find our studio, it’s just a few minutes' walk from Angel tube, Kings Cross, Old Street, and Farringdon stations.

Assisted stretching is a little like a combination of a physio or osteo session combined with a relaxing massage. You lie fully clothed on a specially designed stretch bed while your highly qualified Stretch Life Therapist works to deliver a carefully designed sequence of stretches tailored to your body to alleviate your MSK issues. Here’s why it can be particularly helpful during menopause

At Stretch Life, we incorporate the scientifically validated technique of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching into our sessions, providing a comprehensive approach to improving flexibility and range of motion (ROM). This method, when performed on a stretch table with our 1-2-1 therapists, is not just an experience but a journey backed by research and medical evidence

Are you ready to unlock a world of flexibility and strength like never before? Let’s talk about PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) Stretching. Passive stretching has been the go-to for many, but PNF is the vibrant, dynamic cousin that’s all about bringing your stretching game to a whole new level.