The best stretch classes for anyone, (especially, if you don't do enough or don't like to stretch)

Don't do enough or like stretching?

Quite simply specially designed stretched programs that incorporate ELDOA and Myofascial stretches are what you should be seriously contemplating, if you want to make a big impact to your movement freedom and performance.

This precise and highly effective concept of  Myofasical stretching MFS and ELDOA based stretching was founded by highly sought after pioneer doctor, osteopath and physiotherapist Dr Guy Voyer, 35 years ago. French born and raised  Dr. VOYER developed ELDOA, and Myofascial Stretching techniques along with many other excellent movement healing practices, as part of his Osteopath, Somatraining and new ELDOA Certification Programs.

ELDOA is an abbreviated term for longitudinal osteo-articular decoaptation or decompression. In the practical setting essentially,  this means that through a series of specific stretching techniques we are precisely opening the space between specific joints using myofascial tension. 

MYO = muscle and FASCIA is the surrounds of every single muscle fibre that brings structure to the muscle itself, separation of muscle, which together then  connects every single fibre of us from our head all the way down to the very tips of our toes. In ELDOA based stretching,  we are self stabilising the lower segments whilst we effectively mobilise our above target area. 

Why choose MFS ? 

MFS Is a precise working stretch of the muscular chain within its own fascial chain. You would choose this stretching,  if your goal is not just to gain flexibility, but also you want to feel a true sense of movement freedom at precise areas in your body.  

Although, unlike any other regular stretching protocol, MFS techniques are not limited to stretching the specific area. 

Considering the connective function of fasciae, MFS helps our whole body connective tissue fibres, to move better in relation to one another. This creates a level of movement which supports optimal whole body posture, kinestiric awareness, injury prevention and high performance in athletes. 

Due to its’ precision and effectiveness, this stretching is perfect for those that don’t include enough stretching in their current program, for those that are not interested in yoga, anyone that don’t have time to stretch and reaps excellent results for beginners and athletes alike. 

You simply cannot make this stretching up on the fly. This type of stretching has to be taught by a qualified instructor who understands the fasciae architecture therefore allowing for each stretch to be safe for participants as well as being maximally effective. 

That is why when each stretch is coached it is important to be as precise as possible in terms of limb direction and tension. In general we are working hard in each stretch.  

It differs from most other stretch based programs because, there’s no flopping into the stretch as some programs will allow, as this will not benefit to the degree of MFS and ELDOA.

Conversely, we have to ‘work in to the stretch’ it can be very intense  feeling on this short space of time especially if we are tight around the fascial chain. This is why members are encouraged to participate in this program at least once per week so they can truly achieve the sense of movement freedom they desire. 

How are the MFS/ELDOA classes structured ? 

The beginnings of a typical class, participants are invited to sit or lay on their back, centring  their mind and body with diaphragmatic breathing techniques. These techniques will be continued through the class to allow the body tension to unfold. 

In order to warm the body effectively, so that the body responds better to the stretching protocol,  participants then move through a series of dynamic stretches. 

The main body of the class is structured so that members then work through a series of specifically programmed myofascial stretches. 

MFS start with the lower limb and progress up to the upper limb,  typically repeating the stretches 2-3 times for their effectiveness. So we can reach the end of range movement

To complete the class, we then work into the smaller segments with 2 or 3 ELDOA based stretches