Stretch Therapy™ classes for every body

Stretch Therapy™ is a comprehensive system that includes stretching, fascial remodelling, strengthening, neural re-patterning, and relaxation. Together, the elements enable anyone to improve flexibility, and to perform ordinary and extraordinary tasks with greater ease and better performance, and for longer in life.

Stretch Therapy™ is the safest, most efficient method for anyone to achieve grace and ease in daily life, whether as an office worker, or an athlete. Stretch Therapy™ is used by pregnant women, sportspeople, coaches, employers, and men and women of all ages ~ every body.

The home of Stretch Therapy™ in New Zealand

Stretch Therapy is a safe and effective way to learn how to stretch, strengthen and relax your whole body.  Evolved from Kit Laughlin and Olivia Allnutt, who for over 35 years have been researching, investigating, teaching and perfecting the world's most complete stretching and relaxation methodologies.

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Discover a relaxed, pain-free, more mobile you

Posture improvement
Revamp your posture, stand taller, and reclaim your confidence with targeted, guided stretches.

Reduce stiffness
Melt away stiffness, enjoy fluid movement, and embrace a life of effortless mobility.

Stress reduction
Dissolve stress with each stretch, transforming tension into positive tension.

Injury prevention
Fortify your body against injury as you strengthen and protect your most vulnerable areas.

Physical strengthening
Build a stronger, more resilient body ready to tackle everyday challenges.

Pain reduction
Alleviate chronic pain and discomfort through targeted stretches.

Stretch Therapy™ Classes

Introduction to Stretch Therapy™ Stretch

This introduction to the Stretch Therapy™ system includes an easy-to-learn range of stretching exercises, showing you how to stretch safely and effectively.

What to expect
You will learn techniques, including the four fundamental movements of the spine, to increase your flexibility and decrease the aches and pains in your body. Time will be taken to explain the theory as you practice. This class is an introduction to the ST Foundation and Posture and Flexibility courses.

Details
Wednesday 5.45- 7.15pm
Saturday 9.30 – 11.00am
G07/171 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
$35 per class
Limited to 6 people per class

Stretch Therapy™ Morning Session

Start the week strong. Join us for a one hour class, designed to stretch out the weekend, strengthen and lengthen your body ready for the week ahead.

What to expect
Start the week strong. Join us for a one hour class, designed to stretch out the weekend, strengthen and lengthen your body ready for the week ahead.

Details
Mondays 9.30 - 10:30am
G07/171 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
$25 per person
Limited to 6 people per class

Stretch Therapy™ Lunch Class

Rejuvenate your workday with our Lunchtime Stretch Class, designed to alleviate desk-related tension and boost productivity.

What to expect
Rejuvenate your workday with our Lunchtime Stretch Class, designed to alleviate desk-related tension and boost productivity.

Details
Mondays 12:10 - 12:50pm
G07/171 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
$20 per person
Limited to 6 people per class

Stretch Therapy™ Courses

Stretch Therapy™ Foundation Course

The Stretch Therapy™ Foundation Course is for people who are new to stretching, want to focus on the stretch essentials. You will learn how to safely and effectively stretch the muscles that commonly cause body stiffness and pain.

What to expect
The six 1.25 hour classes aim to increase awareness of your posture, identify exercises most important to improve your flexibility and feel more comfortable in your own body. The class is tailored to participants needs and is suitable for all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

Six sequenced lessons where you learn exercises to:
• reduce tension in neck and shoulders
• manage the common causes of lower back pain
• wake your feet up and improve your stability & balance
• fight the stooped back & hunched shoulders
• identify the exercises most important to reduce your aches & pain
• reduce stiffness and improve spinal health with daily exercises

Details
Saturdays 11.30am -12.45pm x 6 weeks
G07/171 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
$120 per person
Limited to 6 people per class

Stretch Therapy™ Posture & Flexibility Course

The Stretch Therapy™ Posture and Flexibility class is for people who have stretch experience, who have attended the either the Introductory Class or the Stretch Therapy Foundation Course. You will learn more exercises, build on your existing knowledge and extending to lesser well known muscle groups.

What to expect
The classes are not taught as a sequenced lesson and varies from week to week, a short strength warm up is often included at the start of the class. The Posture and Flexibility classes are not harder than beginners because you choose the intensity at which you work. Less time is spent talking about theory and explaining stretches.
There are more cues, props and/or partner exercises to enhance good form. The eight 1.25 hour classes are tailored to address participants needs which might include sciatica, back pain, shoulder and/or neck reduced range of movement.

Eight lessons where you learn exercises to:
• identify the exercises most important to reduce your aches & pain
• continue the fight against the stooped back & hunched shoulders
• manage your specific areas of tightness
• increase your awareness of your muscle tightness patterns
• preparing your body to meet you at your goals
• greater ability to stack your spine against gravities constant pressure

Details
Tuesdays 5.30-6.45pm x 8 weeks
G07/171 St Asaph Street, Christchurch
$160 per person
Limited to 6 people per class

What People Are Saying

“After just a few sessions, I’ve noticed a significant difference in my flexibility and reduction in back pain. It is making my working day much more comfortable."

— Penny R

"I never really thought I could feel this good again. Stretch Therapy NZ has been a game-changer for my mobility and strength. I love that I can use what I've learnt at home too."

— Rachel C

"I really underestimated how stiff my body was, until it isn't. These classes have really improved the comfort I feel on and off my MTB.“

— Barbara W

“Stretching has been a real game changer for me. I am starting to move more everyday, it’s so much easier to function at work.”

— Simon D

What to know

Important
Please arrive 10-5 minutes before the start to allow for your own preparation and warm up practice. Classes finish and end on time. Please notify me early via sms if you are going to miss a class. You can catchup within the course block. Missed classes are not carried over to the next course block. There is a start and end date to each block.

What do I wear? 
T-shirt and track pants or tights, preferably loose and comfortable. Not just for modesty, warm muscles stretch better. In summer, long shorts acceptable but light jersey long pants work best. Plus to keep equipment clean, its best not to have bare skin on the gear. Bring a large towel or a sarong to use for lying down. No shoes, watches or jewellery.

Cancellation Policy
There will be no refund once a term has commenced, or for missed classes. You can do a catch up class within the course term, provided you arrange it with the instructor in advance – please don’t just turn up. If you know you are going to miss a class, please let us know as early as possible so that the spot can be reallocated.
Minimum numbers apply, class will be rescheduled or full refund offered if minimum numbers not met.

Personal safety
I am not a medical specialist and am unable to help you manage an acute episode of neck or back pain. If you have any concerns please seek medical advice before enrolling. Please discuss any pre-existing medical conditions before enrolling so I can best assist you.

Safety & Effectiveness
All Stretch Therapy exercises have been subjected to a huge amount of testing by our teachers, therapists and students. Of the 100 or so standard exercise forms we use, we have rejected at least a similar number for failing to satisfy this criterion. All potential exercises are weighed against the criterion of effectiveness (efficiency). If two exercises are equally safe, the more effective one is selected.

FAQs

  • Absolutely, Stretch Therapy is tailored for all levels from ages 20 years old and above. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, you'll find the guidance and attention to ensure you progress safely and effectively.

  • Definitely! Our classes are designed to help improve your flexibility, regardless of your starting point. You'll be guided through stretches that are appropriate for your level.

  • We keep our classes small, with a maximum of 10 participants, to ensure personalised attention and a more effective learning experience.

  • Yes, many of our clients find relief from chronic pain, including back pain, through regular participation in our stretch therapy sessions.

  • No, all necessary equipment is provided in our studio. Just bring yourself and comfortable clothing. But you are welcome to bring your own yoga mat or large towel.

  • Our instructor, Claire, will provide personalised modifications to ensure you can participate safely and effectively, regardless of your ability.

  • With regular attendance and dedication, many clients begin to notice significant improvements in flexibility and pain relief within a few weeks.

  • We offer a satisfaction guarantee; if you don't feel the benefits, we're committed to working with you to find a solution.

  • While all three practices offer benefits for flexibility and overall well-being, stretch therapy focuses specifically on teaching you how to pay attention to your body, enabling you to find and eliminate any restrictions. Muscle energy techniques help you to remap part of the brain (the somatosensory cortex), which tells the body how tense to be, along with stretches developed specifically to address modern day life.