WHAT IS PNF AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU?

PNF is defined as a technique utilised to improve muscle elasticity, shown to have a positive effect on active and passive range of motions. It falls into the category of stretching, being also grouped with Static stretching (SS) where a muscle is held in its lengthened position to improve movement, and Ballistic stretching (BS) where a muscle is lengthened to end of range and a bouncing motion is undertaken. 

Benefits of PNF Stretching

PNF stretching has a number of benefits as listed below:

• Increases ROM – by stretching or lengthening the components of muscle tissue ie. muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs (GTO) through PNF, you can increase your range of movement (ROM).

• Boost muscle flexibility – studies have shown that PNF can increase muscle flexibility. In particular, PNF can boost hamstring and calf muscle flexibility.

• Boost muscle strength – PNF can boost the strength of your muscles if done before less strenuous exercises. A study shows how vertical jumping and throwing distance can improve by more than double when athletes do PNF stretching twice a week.

There may be times where PNF is not recommended based on your current condition or injury so please seek further advice from one of our Peak Coaches who will help guide whether this type of treatment is suitable for you.

Callum MacDiarmid