For years I have been hearing about Active Isolated Stretch and as my normal routine, did not peak my interest until recently. I had an Activated Isolated Stretch session five years ago with an acclaimed Personal Trainer and have had the DVD on my desk for about two years! Watching James Duus, a Mind Your Body instructor, teach a Pilates class, it all came together. He warms his clients with AIS! It’s fabulous. Stretches for every body part repeated ten times, held for 1-2 seconds. It is a movement oriented stretch which warms the muscle and increases flexibility over time but also allows your body to feel ready to begin the rigorous Pilates class you anticipated when you woke up for. Now ALL our instructors will use the AIS technique as a tool in the Pilates group classes and private pilates lessons. You will notice the ropes hanging from the Pilates Towers; ropes are used to stretch the legs, as in a traditional hamstring stretch. I love it and love to share with all of you what I love! If you have tried AIS, what is your take on the technique as far? Here is a link to some questions and a bit more information on Activated Isolated Stretch. Tell us what you think by responding to this blog! -gail