Stretch to Win

Stretch to Win is the system of flexibility training developed by Ann and Chris Frederick, authors of, “Stretch to Win”. The Stretch to Win system has two components – assisted stretching and self-stretching instruction which are called Fascial Stretch Therapy™. FST™ is a very effective and gentle style of stretching that is ideal for CrossFit. FST™ is unique in that it emphasizes assessing flexibility before stretching and applying ten fundamental principles to all stretches. By first assessing your flexility in a ‘Personal Flexibility Assessment’ (PFA) you will get better results from stretching and spend less time utilizing stretches that are not essential to your improvements in flexibility for your workouts. The confusion of where, when, how, and why stretch are all addressed in the ten stretching principles that Ann and Chris have developed through their 40 years of experience in improving flexibility with elite athletes from the NFL, Ironman, UFC, and Olympics.

While FST™ can be applied to yoga, running, or golf stretches, the creators of Stretch to Win have invented their own stretching routines based on the most efficient and effective stretches for athletic performance.  Stretching needs to be sport-specific, the physical demands of running, mixed-marital arts, and CrossFit are very different.  However Ann and Chris have identified four key stretches that are essential to all athletic performance called the, ‘Core-Four’.  All athletic movement requires powerful hip extension and fluid movement throughout the body’s core musculature.  The ‘Core-Four Stretch Matrix’ is a series of four key stretches for the hip-flexors, gluts, QL, and lats which unlocks any restriction around the torso.

Stretching for CrossFit should begin with the ‘Core-Four’ and then progress into stretches based on your own flexibility limitations and the flexibility demands of the workout.  My free report, FlexibilityRx™ includes a copy of the ‘Core-Four Stretch Matrix’ that you can immediately implement to transform your CrossFit workouts.  CrossFit Scottsdale members utilize the ‘Core-Four’ both pre-workout during their warm-up, as well as doing their cool-down for recovery.

“The ‘Core-Four’ stretches have dramatically improved my running.  The hip tightness is gone.” – Robert Scovill (CrossFit Scottsdale Member)

“After doing the ‘Core-Four’ for the first time, I ‘PR’ed in my snatch”.  I never stretched my QL (muscle on the side of the torso) before, and noticed it was a key factor in obtaining the flexibility I needed for my workout.” – Nathan Atchison (CrossFit Scottsdale Member).

“Doing the ‘Core-Four’ pre-workout has been essential to my flexibility and mobility.  The tightness I bring into the gym from the office is quickly eliminated and I am ready for my workout.” – Jeff Ciraulo (CrossFit Scottsdale Member)

Assisted Stretching
CrossFitters interested in assisted stretching can locate a Fascial Stretch Therapist in their area by using the, “Moving Beyond Muscle” locator.  Kevin Kula provides Fasical Stretch Therapy™ out of CrossFit Scottsdale for anyone living in the Phoenix or Scottsdale area.

Self-Stretching
The basis for FlexibilityRx™ is applying the Stretch to Win system of assessment, theory, and stretches to CrossFit.  By working exclusively with CrossFitters Kevin Kula has discovered exactly what CrossFitters need to ‘PR’ in their workouts.  The resulting system of flexibility training for CrossFit is FlexibilityRx™ a radically different and effective system of self-stretching for CrossFit.  To learn more about FlexibilityRx™ Workshops visit my Contact Page.

Flexibility Training for Coaches
Fascial Stretch Therapy™ Essentials Course – CrossFit trainers interested in helping their clients improve their flexibility can check out the ‘Stretch to Win’ Fascial Stretch Therapy™ Essentials ongoing course list.