Stick-Stretches:
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Are Stick-Stretches?
I was taught stick-stretches by Arthur Faygenholtz D.C. He has been teaching stick-stretches for twenty five years. His passion for helping people through this type of stretching is sincere and robust.

Click here to go to Arthur Faygenholtz D.C.'s website and see some photos of different stick-stretches. There are two videos on his website. At 1:20 of the second video (of him on the beach) is a stick-stretch. Prior to that is him warming up. He has a DVD for sale that is very good for showing a number of different stretches. He also has a warm up routine and more on the DVD.

In stick-stretches, you use a stick approximately 2-4" taller than you to greatly help you stretch your upper body and shoulder joints.

Stick-stretches are done standing. Stick-stretches are the best way I know to stretch your shoulders; and a very good way to stretch your entire upper body. Stick-stretches don't directly help your neck. By loosening your shoulders and your upper body, your neck can also gain more looseness.

You can do deep, sustained stretches for your upper body with stick-stretches. You can stay in these stretches for up to three minutes. The stick acts like a traction device to help you stretch more deeply. The stick also supports your body weight; making it easier for you to do sustained standing stretches. When your muscles are stretched and they start to lengthen/relax, the least tight muscle fibers release first. It's only in deep, sustained stretches that you get to relax the most tense muscle fibers. And then your muscles really learn how to relax.

Stick-stretches are the best way I know to increase the flexibility of your shoulder joints. They're also a very good way to stretch your entire upper body. They stretch your rib cage very well. They're good for stretching your hip/low back area. Stick-stretches stretch the front of your arms and your chest pretty well. They're also helpful in stretching your upper back.

Stick-stretches are primarily for your upper body and not for your legs. I teach stick-stretches to emphasize the stretch in your upper body; not in your legs. You can easily increase the stretch in your legs if you choose. Yoga classes are great for stretching your legs.

You can also just do stick-stretches for just a few minutes at a time at home and get noticeable help. People have been loving stick-stretches. You may love it too.

How Much Do The Sticks Cost?
I charge $25 - $30 for a stick up to six feet. This stick is either rattan or oak stick and it has two rubber end caps. The end caps are needed so that the stick doesn't slip or damage your carpet or wood floor.
I charge $40 for a rattan stick over six feet or a six foot artsy-looking rattan stick.

I do not recommend using bamboo because bamboo is hollow and it will crack. The rattan sticks are used in martial arts fighting. They are very durable. They feel much different than the sticks that you can make at Home Depot.

You can get a stick cut at Home Depot made of closet doweling. A six foot stick with two end caps will cost you about $18. These sticks are heavier than the rattan sticks. They don't have the feel of a live material like the rattan sticks. A stick made of closet doweling will work.

You can also get a very narrow stick at Home Depot. With two end caps, it'll cost you about $7 total. I don't find this stick good to use; maybe a child could use this stick. This stick can work, though I don't recommend it.

How Many Classes Do You Recommend That I Attend?
I recommend that people come to at least four classes; and to bring a friend or two. You need to come repeatedly to learn the stick-stretches and to build a habit to where these stretches become a regular part of your life.

My goal is to have a number of people build the habit of doing stick-stretches by attending a number of classes; hopefully with friends. I'm teaching this class because it can be very effective in helping you stretch your arms, shoulders, and upper body better than in any other way.

So come to the beach often on Saturday mornings in the summertime! Enjoy the beach and get healthier at the same time.

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