Stretch and Strengthen

As a dance teacher and a professional dancer, I know how important it is to stretch before any activity and to strengthen muscles to help prevent injury and prepare the body for any activity.

Stretching is the slow sustained lengthening of the muscles while strengthening is repeated muscle contractions until the muscle becomes tired. This class will encourage the students to understand that difference between stretching and strengthening muscles and why they are both important. We will also cover how stretching lengthens muscle tissue and increases flexibility both of which will allow you to perform strength building exercises with greater ranges of movement which makes the exercises more effective.

80% of all exercises or movements will have multiple technical levels to accommodate for students with injuries or those who need a more advanced method. Students are encouraged to push themselves on their own physical level. 

Each class with start with a 10 minute warm up period with the focus of stretching and warming the muscles. Then a 25/30 minute period focusing on more intense stretches and strengthening exercises for specific muscles as well as over all muscle groups. Each exercise with include a demonstration as well as information covering what muscles with exercise will cover. Finishing with a 10/5 minute warm down to protect the muscles from injury. 

All students are recommended to wear clothing that they can easily move in. No other resources are required. Hand held weights, resistance bands, blocks, and mats can be used with the stretch and strengthen class at the preference of the student. Any injuries or issues with exercises should be made known before class. Questions are encouraged.