The Rise of Assisted Stretching in South Africa and Carly Bowden's Pioneering Journey

Assisted stretching has been gaining popularity worldwide for years, yet in South Africa, it remains a relatively new concept. Many wellness and fitness enthusiasts here are curious about its benefits, but the growth of this practice has been slow. One key reason is the limited local expertise and the high cost of overseas training. Carly Bowden changed this landscape when she became the first person from the African continent to train with Stretch to Win and certify as a Stretch Therapist in 2018. Since then, she has dedicated herself to bringing high-quality assisted stretching to South Africans, helping clients improve their health, mobility, and longevity.

Carly Bowden guiding a client through an assisted stretching session

What Is Assisted Stretching and Why It Matters

Assisted stretching involves a trained therapist guiding a client through stretches that target muscles and connective tissues more deeply than self-stretching. Unlike typical stretching routines, assisted stretching allows for precise control of movement and intensity, which can lead to better flexibility, reduced muscle tension, and improved circulation.

Many people associate stretching with discomfort or even pain, but assisted stretching sessions led by experts like Carly Bowden are designed to be deep and intense without causing torture. In fact, most clients find the experience so relaxing that they fall asleep during the session. This happens because the nervous system is downregulated, creating an ideal environment for healing and recovery.

The Challenge of Bringing Assisted Stretching to South Africa

While assisted stretching has been popular overseas, South Africa faced unique challenges in adopting this practice:

• Training availability: The most respected certifications and training programs, such as Stretch to Win, were only available abroad.

• Cost barriers: Traveling overseas for training is expensive and not accessible to many South Africans.

• Lack of local expertise: Without certified professionals, the practice struggled to gain trust and recognition.

  
  

Carly Bowden’s decision to travel in 2018 to train with Stretch to Win was a turning point. She became the first African certified Stretch Therapist, bringing back knowledge and skills that were previously unavailable locally.

Carly Bowden’s Approach to Assisted Stretching

With 18 years of experience in the wellness space, Carly combines her deep understanding of the body with her training to deliver sessions that focus on working with the body rather than against it. Her approach emphasizes:

• Health and mobility: Helping clients move better and feel stronger.

• Longevity: Supporting long-term wellness through improved flexibility and reduced injury risk.

• Comfort and safety: Ensuring sessions are intense but never painful or overwhelming.

• Holistic care: Integrating assisted stretching with Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage to enhance overall well-being.

  
  

Clients often report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and more mobile after sessions. Carly’s work shows that stretching does not have to be a painful or tedious task to produce lasting results.

Real-Life Benefits Experienced by Clients

Many clients come to Carly with specific goals such as recovering from injury, improving athletic performance, or simply reducing daily muscle tension. Here are some examples of how assisted stretching has helped:

• Athletes: Improved range of motion and faster recovery times after training or competition.

• Office workers: Relief from stiffness and pain caused by prolonged sitting and poor posture.

• Older adults: Enhanced mobility and balance, contributing to safer daily movement.

• Chronic pain sufferers: Reduced muscle tightness and better circulation, easing discomfort.

  
  

These outcomes highlight how assisted stretching can be tailored to individual needs, making it a versatile tool for wellness.

Why Assisted Stretching Is Worth Considering

For wellness and fitness enthusiasts in South Africa, assisted stretching offers a unique way to complement existing routines. It can:

• Enhance flexibility beyond what self-stretching can achieve.

• Help prevent injuries by addressing muscle imbalances.

• Support recovery after intense workouts or physical activity.

• Promote relaxation and reduce stress through nervous system regulation.

  
  

With experts like Carly Bowden leading the way, more South Africans can access quality assisted stretching without the need to travel abroad.

How to Get Started with Assisted Stretching

If you are interested in trying assisted stretching, consider these tips:

• Look for certified therapists with reputable training, such as Stretch to Win certification.

• Communicate your goals and any health concerns clearly before sessions.

• Be open to the experience, knowing that sessions may feel intense but should not cause pain.

• Combine assisted stretching with other wellness practices like massage, strength training, or yoga for balanced health.

  
  

Finding a skilled therapist who understands your body and needs is key to getting the most from assisted stretching.