In my 20+ years as a professional strength and conditioning coach I've endured/implemented/recommended various forms of flexibility programs.  I've tried static, dynamic, ballistic, pnf, active isolation, and yoga to name a few.  Each system left me with a little more range of motion, some pain, and muscle weakness.  I was almost convinced stretching was not worth the effort.  When I first heard about resistance stretching I was skeptical and assumed it was similar to many other styles of flexibility/stretching programs.  It wasn't until I actually took part in a resistance self stretching class (and later when I was stretched by a resistance stretch trainer)  that I understood that resistance stretching can not only increase ones range of motion around a given joint but increase muscular strength through the entire range as well. Most trainers/coaches know that a longer muscle is a stronger muscle.  Lengthening muscle under resistance strengthens the muscle and enables the muscle to contract fully and efficiently. Another key benefit in my mind with respect to athletes is the ability to stretch and strengthen muscles in multiple planes of motion.  Free weights and machines cannot duplicate what the resistance stretching program can do when properly applied.

Resistance stretching has relieved my sciatica symptoms, increased range of motion around my hips, strengthened my core, unlocked a perpetually tight hamstring, reduced the incidence of muscle cramps and broken down scar tissue - all of which allows me to perform at a higher level