FAQ

• Increases Flexibility: Regular stretching improves the flexibility of muscles and joints, which can enhance overall performance in physical activities and reduce the risk of injury. • Improves Range of Motion: Stretching can help increase the range of motion in joints, making it easier to perform daily activities and sports. • Enhances Circulation: Stretching promotes better blood flow to muscles, which can aid recovery, reduce soreness, and support overall cardiovascular health. • Reduces Muscle Tension: Stretching helps relieve muscle tightness and tension, which can improve comfort and decrease the likelihood of strain or injury. • Supports Posture: Stretching can strengthen muscles that support proper alignment, helping to improve posture and reduce back pain. • Promotes Relaxation: Engaging in stretching can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by encouraging deep breathing and mindfulness. • Improves Athletic Performance: Incorporating stretching into your routine can enhance athletic performance by improving muscle function and coordination. • Facilitates Recovery: Stretching after workouts can help prevent stiffness and aid in recovery by promoting blood flow and reducing muscle soreness.

The frequency of stretching can depend on your individual goals, activity level, and specific needs, but here are some general guidelines: • Daily Stretching: For overall flexibility and to alleviate muscle tension, aim to stretch daily. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a sedentary job or engage in repetitive activities. • Before and After Exercise: Stretching before and after workouts is essential. Dynamic stretches (active movements that stretch muscles) are ideal before exercise, while static stretches (holding a stretch for a few breaths) are beneficial post-workout to promote recovery. • 2-3 Times a Week: If you’re focusing specifically on improving flexibility, aim to stretch at least 2-3 times a week. Holding each stretch for 2 or 3 breaths can enhance flexibility over time. • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels. If you notice tightness or discomfort, consider incorporating more stretching into your routine. • Incorporate Movement Breaks: If you sit for long periods, take breaks to stretch your muscles throughout the day to reduce tension and improve circulation.

Yes, regular stretching can improve flexibility and range of motion, which may help reduce the risk of injuries during physical activity.

Always consult a healthcare professional before stretching if you have an injury, as some stretches may exacerbate the condition.

Yes, stretching can be beneficial during pregnancy, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind: Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new exercise or stretching routine during pregnancy, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it's safe for your individual circumstances. • Focus on Gentle Stretches: Gentle stretching can help relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation. Focus on stretches that target areas that may become tight due to changes in posture and body mechanics, such as the hips, back, and shoulders. • Avoid Deep or Intense Stretching: During pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called relaxin, which can increase joint laxity. Avoid deep or intense stretches that could lead to overstretching or injury. • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel while stretching. If you experience any pain or discomfort, ease off and consult your healthcare provider if necessary. • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after stretching to stay hydrated, as hydration is especially important during pregnancy. • Modify as Needed: As your pregnancy progresses, you may need to modify your stretching routine. Focus on comfort and avoid positions that feel awkward or strain your body. In summary, stretching can be a safe and effective way to maintain flexibility and comfort during pregnancy when done mindfully and with proper guidance.

The science behind breathing during stretching involves several physiological and psychological mechanisms that enhance the effectiveness of the practice. Here are some key points explaining this connection: 1. Nervous System Regulation Parasympathetic Activation: Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the body's stress response. This state of relaxation helps to decrease muscle tension, making it easier to stretch effectively. Stress Reduction: When you focus on your breath, it can lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), promoting a sense of calm that is conducive to stretching. 2. Increased Oxygen Supply Oxygen Delivery: Deep breathing increases the oxygen supply to your muscles, which is crucial during physical activity. Oxygen is necessary for energy production in muscle cells, enhancing their ability to perform during stretches. Carbon Dioxide Removal: Exhaling fully helps remove carbon dioxide from the bloodstream, preventing the buildup of waste products and promoting better muscle function. 3. Muscle Relaxation and Lengthening Fascial Release: Stretching is not only about the muscles but also about the fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). Breath can help release tension in the fascia, allowing for greater range of motion. Inhibition of Muscle Spindles: Breathing deeply can inhibit muscle spindles, which are sensory receptors that detect changes in muscle length. This inhibition allows for greater flexibility and reduces the reflexive response to stretch. 4. Mindfulness and Focus Mind-Body Connection: Focusing on the breath during stretching promotes mindfulness, which can enhance the awareness of body sensations. This heightened awareness allows practitioners to better understand their limitations and adjust their stretches accordingly. Improved Coordination: Breath awareness helps synchronize movement with stretch, enhancing coordination and control during the practice. 5. Enhanced Stretching Performance Pain Perception: Controlled breathing can alter the perception of pain and discomfort during stretching. Focusing on breathing can help manage the discomfort associated with deeper stretches, allowing for longer and more effective stretching sessions. Facilitation of Deep Stretches: Proper breath control enables individuals to gradually relax into deeper stretches, improving flexibility over time. 6. Psychological Benefits Emotional Regulation: Deep breathing has been shown to influence emotions positively. Practicing breath-focused stretching can help alleviate anxiety, improve mood, and foster a greater sense of well-being. Conclusion Incorporating breath into stretching routines is not merely a matter of habit but is rooted in scientific principles that enhance physical performance, promote relaxation, and improve the overall effectiveness of the practice. By understanding these mechanisms, individuals can optimize their stretching sessions for better outcomes.

For both stretch sessions and group classes, please wear clothing that allows for comfortable movement. For stretch sessions, we recommend wearing socks for added grip and comfort. For group classes, keep in mind that baggy clothing can restrict movement, especially in positions like downward dog where it may interfere with working against gravity. Opt for fitted or stretchy fabrics that will support your practice.

If you have specific health conditions or concerns, it’s important to communicate this to us before your session or group class. We recommend consulting with your healthcare provider to ensure that stretching and movement practices are appropriate for your situation. During your initial consultation or the first group class, we will discuss your health history and tailor our approach to accommodate your needs, ensuring a safe and beneficial experience for everyone.

We accept payment via credit card, check, and cash.

-Hands-On Bodywork Stretch Sessions: Experience personalized, hands-on stretch sessions designed to enhance flexibility, relieve tension, and promote relaxation. Our certified stretch facilitator works with you to navigate your limbs gently, aligning movements with your breath to provide a soothing and effective experience. These sessions can be customized to meet your individual needs and goals. -Group Classes: Join our vibrant community in group classes that focus on functional stretching, movement, and overall wellness. These classes provide an engaging environment where participants of all levels can improve their flexibility, mobility, and strength while benefiting from the support and encouragement of others. -Kids’ Movement Classes: We offer engaging movement classes for children, incorporating obstacle courses, stretching, and mindfulness practices. These pop-up classes aim to foster physical development, coordination, and mindfulness in a fun and supportive environment. -Out-of-the-Studio Events: Experience our unique out-of-the-studio events, which include classes held at local libraries, parks, and scenic hiking trails. These events provide an opportunity to connect with nature while engaging in movement practices that enhance well-being.

Our sessions and classes are currently available from 8:30 AM, with the final session starting at 1:45 PM, Monday through Thursday. On most Fridays, we offer extended hours allowing for evening sessions to be arranged, provided we communicate in advance to ensure availability Saturdays are also an option for scheduling if your session is scheduled in advance. We understand that flexibility is important for our clients, which is why we offer the option to schedule sessions outside of regular business hours if needed. Please note that during these sessions, my child may be present in the back office, engaged in activities, if I am unable to arrange for him to be with family.

We are currently only offering classes in person. We are working toward adding virtual classes soon!!

If a client arrives late for their session, we will reach out via phone at the 5-minute mark. If we are unable to make contact by 10 minutes after the scheduled appointment starts, we will consider the session a no-call, no-show, and the client will be subject to billing for that session. If the client arrives after the session has started, we will need to adhere to the original time frame to ensure we remain on schedule for subsequent appointments. However, on occasion, if we do not have other commitments, we may be able to extend the session time to accommodate for any lost time at the end.

We understand that life can sometimes get in the way, and while we encourage timely arrival to ensure everyone has the best experience possible, we are flexible with late arrivals to group classes. If you arrive after class has started, please feel free to join quietly and participate as you're able. However, to honor those who arrived on time, we kindly ask that you settle in without disrupting the class flow. Your understanding and respect for the shared space are greatly appreciated!

At Stretch Prairie, we value flexibility! If you notify us in advance about an absence for a booked class or session, we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. However, if you fail to show up without prior notice (“No Call No Show”), we reserve the right to bill for the scheduled service.

Yes! When you purchase a package of 4 or more stretch sessions, you'll receive a $15 discount on each session. This purchase automatically grants you membership for that month, providing unlimited access to our group classes! Additionally, we offer various plans and deals specifically for group classes to ensure you get the best value while enhancing your wellness journey.

You can reach me by phone or text at the following numbers: 608-530-1126 or 224-358-4819. You can also contact me via email at stretchprairie@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

You can leave a review by following this link. If you prefer to discuss a private matter, please email us at stretchprairie@gmail.com, and we will respond promptly.

I would like to welcome you to your new personal sanctuary, where you are encouraged to relax and be stretched, breathe, recenter, and rebalance. I'm so happy you are here! In your initial session, we will first go over your health history and determine what your goals are. Please be prepared to talk about your lifestyle as well as your previous and current activities. Then, we will evaluate your range of motion off and on the table to pinpoint any potential imbalances that may be affecting you. My goal is to guide you toward reaching your desired levels of mobility and comfort through breath, relaxation, and stretching. During the session, I will guide your breath as we go into each stretch. Plan on your first session being roughly 90 minutes and each session after being 60 minutes. These sessions are intended to be relaxing for you over time. It is normal to communicate verbally during the first few sessions. However, for the greatest benefit, minimal talking is encouraged. During a regular session, you will rest on a massage table while I navigate your limbs in such a way that induces a gentle stretch that aligns with your breath. Stretching can be challenging for some people because each muscle has a different sensation, which many associate with pain or discomfort. I am hoping to help rewire that body-mind connection. Many muscles have yet to be explored, however, desperately need attention and care. Communication is a vital part of the process, which we will talk about in your first session. IT IS NORMAL TO FEEL FABULOUS AFTER YOUR FIRST SESSION, AND POSSIBLY BE SORE FOR A FEW DAYS FOLLOWING. Please do not be discouraged by this. Your body is adjusting to a new process, and we are "waking up" areas of your body that might not have been used in a little while. Stick with it, and I'm confident you'll be comfortable with the progress you make. If you are working with any doctor for any reason, I always recommend checking in to be sure stretching will support your circumstances. PLEASE understand I want to be able to serve all people and body types. However, it is imperative to my own health that if we are not a good fit, I will be honest and redirect you to a former colleague who may be able to assist you more safely. As always, please feel comfortable reaching out with any questions. Brittney Grimshaw 608-530-1126 stretchprairie@gmail.com

Yes, we are fully insured. Our team holds certifications as Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Fitness Coach, and Nutritionist Certs, ensuring that you receive professional and knowledgeable guidance in your wellness journey.

At Stretch Prairie, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. All client information, including health history and session details, is kept secure and confidential. We do not share your information with third parties without your consent, except as required by law. We encourage open communication and assure you that any feedback or discussions regarding your experience will be treated with the utmost respect and discretion. Your trust is important to us, and we strive to create a safe environment where you can focus on your wellness journey.

Yes, we offer a referral program to show our appreciation for your support! When you refer a friend or family member who books a session with us, both you and your referral will receive a discount on your next session. It's our way of saying thank you for helping us grow our community. If you have any questions or would like more details, feel free to reach out!

Yes, we offer sessions for groups or events! You can book either at the studio or at a location of your choosing. Whether it's a corporate wellness event or a community gathering, I can tailor the session to meet your group's needs. Feel free to reach out for more details on scheduling and pricing!

While we occasionally offer kids' classes, individuals under the age of 18 are welcome to join our classes or receive stretch sessions with guardian approval. A signed waiver from the guardian is required to ensure safety and consent. We strive to create an inclusive environment for all ages, encouraging everyone to participate in their wellness journey.