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Stretch Classes at the JCC Indianapolis

Stretch Lab Classes

FREE FOR MEMBERS

Stretch lab classes are the latest trend in what is classified as a recovery class. Stretch classes, as the name suggests, are all about setting aside dedicated time to stretch your muscles. Exercisers tend to focus on the workout but neglect the recovery. The intent of a stretch- and recovery-focused class is to place a strong emphasis on the more gentle, restorative parts of an exercise program. Start getting more flexible today at JCC Indianapolis!

Group Exercise Schedule

Benefits of Stretch Labs

  • Improve your performance in physical activities.
  • Decrease your risk of injuries.
  • Help your joints move through their full range of motion.
  • Enable your muscles to work most effectively.
  • Improve your ability to do daily activities.

A Stretch Class Is Best Suited for…

  • Those who exercise regularly. Stretching and other recovery classes are a good choice for devoted exercisers who have a hard time penciling in rest days.
  • A stretch class improves range of motion, increases flexibility, and relieves pain.
  • Working professionals with sedentary jobs.
  • Those recovering from an injury.
  • Those training for a marathon or fitness competition.

What to Expect

  • Group classes tend to push most of us to go a little bit harder than we might do solo, which is something to keep in mind when the goal here is actually recovery. You shouldn’t push yourself further into a stretch for the sake of keeping up with a classmate, nor should you hold a specific pose that hurts just because the instructor said to.
  • When you decide to adopt a new stretching routine, ramp up slowly and moderate your expectations. It’s much harder than you might think to drastically change your flexibility.

  • Don’t consider stretching a warmup. You may hurt yourself if you stretch cold muscles. Before stretching, warm up with light walking, jogging, or biking at low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Strive for symmetry. Focus on having equal flexibility side to side (especially if you have a history of a previous injury). Flexibility that is not equal on both sides may be a risk factor for injury.
  • Focus on major muscle groups. Concentrate your stretches on major muscle groups such as your calves, thighs, hips, lower back, neck, and shoulders. Make sure that you stretch both sides. Also, stretch muscles and joints that you routinely use or that you use in your activity.
  • Don’t bounce. Stretch in a smooth movement, without bouncing. Bouncing as you stretch can injure your muscle and actually contribute to muscle tightness.
  • Hold your stretch. Breathe normally and hold each stretch for about 30 seconds.

    • These classes are free as a benefit of membership and are for JCC members only.

    Check our Schedules page for group exercise dates and times, or download our mobile app for iOS or Android devices.

    Stretch Lab Instructor

    Cara George: Cara graduated cum laude with honors for excellence in Health Promotion from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion and Exercise Physiology. Her personal training clients ranged from DOJ attorneys to members of the U.S. Marshal Service. Cara also served as a trainer for the White House Athletic Center. Simultaneously, Cara served as a yoga and strength instructor for the Jewish Community Center in Fairfax, VA, as well as a prenatal fitness trainer for the Women’s Crisis Pregnancy Center in Washington, D.C. Cara is dedicated to her clients and receives no greater joy than seeing her customers attain their goals and be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle long after she has stopped training them.

    Fitness Is a Core Jewish Value

    At the JCC, fitness isn’t just something we do; it’s who we are. Although exercise is not mentioned in the Torah, taking care of one’s health is. In fact, while other belief systems advocate for the healing power of prayer, Judaism encourages people to look after their health and seek counsel from medical experts. In Judaism, good health is not a goal in itself; rather, it is a means to an end – to serve the Creator.

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