For many clients, the stretching component of the Super-Z MUSCLE Training Program provides the biggest benefit.  Between driving, work, eating, and television, the average American sits 13 hours per day.  Prolonged periods of sitting or inactivity can lead to shortening of muscles and tightness in the knees, hips, spine, and especially the hip flexors and hamstrings.  As we age there is a natural loss of muscle mass and tissue pliability.  Soft tissues in the body are like rubber bands:  the more they are able to stretch, (as long as you don't overstretch), the more force they are able to produce.  Shortened or less flexible tissue is much easier to injure and more likely to contribute to chronic pain syndromes. Normal movement of muscles, tendons, and ligaments are important in daily activity and essential for peak athletic performance. 
 
Static stretching can help regain normal length and movement in soft tissues.   

Correct stretching is an art form and can be life-changing for many with chronic pain. In MUSCLE training the patient/client is told to relax while the tissue is moved to a point of stretch without pain.  The stretch is held 2-3 minutes, or more if needed, until the tissue begins the release process.  The frame of the Super-Z was designed to be able to move and adjust during the stretch.  This allows each client to relax while the therapist, coach, or trainer adjusts the stretch.  Fine tuning the position ensures an optimal stretch.  As the tissue releases, there may be slight discomfort which intensifies as the body part moves back to a neutral position.  This goes away after a few seconds of movement.  This is seen most dramatically when stretching the iliopsoas (hip flexor).  This type of stretching done consistently will elongate the soft tissues.  

The Super-Z Stretching Program not only provides comprehensive flexibility training, but helps identify tightness in the spine, hip, and knee in the following areas:
                                                                                  Spine (Lumbar)                    Hip                       Knee
                                                                                        Flexion                             Flexion                   Flexion
                                                                                        Extension                       Extension              Extension
                                                                                        Rotation                          Rotation
                                                                                        Side-bending                  Add/Abd    

The Flexibility Training component of the Super-Z MUSCLE Training Program can also be an individual service for therapy or training clients. Chronic back pain is at an all-time high and a comprehensive stretching program will benefit many.  Athletes wanting to stretch the iliopsoas, hamstrings, and glutes (running muscles) now have a program designed for athletic performance and injury prevention.  The Super-Z Flexibility Training will allow almost anyone to safely assess areas of tightness and perform the needed stretching program. 
It can also be performed on your own without assistance.
 
Imagine being able to put each client in that perfect position of a stretch, and hold the stretch while the tissue releases.  You are free to perform other tasks while your client completes a 4 minute gator stretch (hip flexor and hamstring stretch). Other stretches or exercises can be set up in seconds. This is possible with the Super-Z MUSCLE Trainer.  
 
Flexibility for athletic performance: While it is easy to picture hours and hours of heavy weight-lifting, most professional athletes spend a significant amount of time maintaining flexibility in the spine, shoulder, and pelvic girdle muscles(core). A combination of stability and flexibility allows the muscles of the arms and legs to generate the maximum forces needed to throw, kick, and run.  Loss of flexibility in any area will make the athlete more likely to injure themselves, when maximal effort is required.  Example: A pulled hamstring is more likely to occur when an athlete tries to accelerate by lengthening his/her stride and the hamstring is forcibly lengthened by strong hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris) pulling the leg forward.  How many times do you hear of an athlete being sidelined with a quad, groin, or hamstring pull?

Flexibility for the average person:  For those in less than optimal condition, weakness and tightness in the pelvic girdle muscles and spine are frequently the biggest problem.  In my 34 years as a Physical Therapist, the people I usually see having chronic back, hip, or knee pain frequently show similar traits. Men are more likely to have tightness in the back, hips, and knees (especially hip flexor, hamstring, and IT Band). Women are more likely to have weakness in the back and hip extensors.  Any loss of movement can cause a problem. Regaining normal movement in all directions is imperative.  The Super-Z Flexibility Training Program not only assesses all motions but provides the interventions needed for an individualized stretching program. I designed the Super-Z to allow me, as a single-practice therapist, to address the needs of my clients. I now have 3 Super-Zs in my clinic - Genesis Physical Therapy, in Rockwall, Texas. 

Don't just treat your clients, make them better! For more information about the Super-Z MUSCLE Trainer call the inventor,
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                                                                       Rick Zivney, PT  214-679-0186