Registered Fascial Stretch Therapist Mari Balow is certified thru Stretch To Win® in Toronto and a Pilates instructor with the Pilates Center of Maine.

Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and joints. FST offers table-based assisted stretching which focuses on the muscles and connective tissue that surround an encompass the joints. When tight, the fascia limits flexibility, range of motion, and can often be the cause of pain. Undergoing FST can help to reduce these issues, as well as  improve circulation and decrease the risk of injury. FST utilizes a gentle approach to reducing muscle tightness; the method is pain free and relaxing.  FST can  help decrease pain in the lower back, hips, and knees.

Like Pilates, FST can benefit numerous age ranges and populations. Athletes can increase their range of motion and reduce the chance of injury. Office workers who tend to sit for many hours a day use FST to release tension build-up in their necks, spines, and hips. Fascial stretching is also an important activity for those who are 50+ and anyone who tend to engage in physical labor or activities that require repeated bending, kneeling, or lifting.

Combining FST and Pilates offers a potent combination of stretching and strengthening to improve one’s quality of life.