Active Isolated Stretching 1 (AIS) - Upper Body

Tuition: $295 for AIS 1, Register for AIS 1, 2 & 3 for a discount: $840 for all 3 (not eligible for additional discounts)

Materials fee: $45 + tax for AIS 1

Total Hours: 16
NCBTMB: 16 CE Hours

Prerequisites: This course is ideal for anyone trained in bodywork, manual therapies, or fitness professionals, including massage and bodywork therapists, athletic trainers, and physical therapists.

Please bring two sheets, 1 pillowcase, and 1 bath towel. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing such as athletic shorts or sweats suitable for stretching. No jeans, dresses, skirts, etc.

The Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method of muscle lengthening and fascial release is a type of Athletic Stretching that provides effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching of major muscle groups, but more importantly, AIS provides functional and physiological restoration of superficial and deep fascial planes.

Over the past few decades many experts have advocated that stretching should last up to 60 seconds. For years, this prolonged static stretching technique was the gold standard. However, prolonged static stretching actually decreases the blood flow within the tissue creating localized ischemia and lactic acid buildup. This can potentially cause irritation or injury of local muscular,tendinous, lymphatic, as well as neural tissues, similar to the effects and consequences of trauma and overuse syndromes.

The Mattes AIS Technique is an effective treatment for deep and superficial fascial release, restoring proper fascial planes for optimal physiologic function. Performing an Active Isolated Stretch of no longer than 2.0 seconds allows the target muscle to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective stretch reflex and subsequent reciprocal antagonistic muscle contraction as the isolated muscle achieves a state of relaxation. These stretches provide maximum benefit and can be accomplished without opposing tension or resulting trauma.

The Mattes Method of A.I.S. is a myofascial release technique, which incorporates AIS, uses active movement and reciprocal inhibition to achieve optimal flexibility. Using a 2.0 second stretch has proven to be the key in avoiding reflexive contraction of the antagonistic muscle. Without activating muscle group contraction, restoration of full range of motion and flexibility can be successfully achieved.

Active Isolated Stretching 1 focuses applying the Mattes AIS Technique to the upper body. Participants will receive a book, a stretching rope, and printed handouts specific to this class.

Instructor: Roger McNear CPT-ACE, NIHS. Roger McNear is a native Minnesotan who developed a love for endurance sports in the early 1970's when he began distance bicycle riding and skiing marathon distances. In the mid 1970's Roger began teaching fitness and wellness. As more and more people inquired into personal training services with him, he obtained certification through the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer. Roger is also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Soon Roger was taking classes from his mentor, Aaron Mattes, developer of Active Isolated Stretching (A.I.S). Recognizing the amazing restorative and healing benefits of AIS, Roger began teaching AIS, and has done so for years. He maintains a private practice in Cambridge, MN.