If you have never heard of a MET or have always wondered what they are and why or when you might use them, then this is for you!
<h2>What Does MET Stand For?</h2>
Chances are you have heard this code name or acronym for a technique known as a ‘Muscle Energy Technique’, however would you know when to use them or how to apply them? Maybe you thought there was only one method? Or maybe you aren't sure when to use them?
This Juicemail has been written to explain the benefits, the safest &amp; simplest MET method and when and how to programme it into a clients programme.

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<h2>What Is A MET?</h2>
An MET is a contraction of the muscle with origin &amp; insertion getting closer together statically or isometrically thus creating energy within the muscle. So opposite to stretching BUT often a ‘kinder’ way to improve muscle function AND far more effective at this shown by some research.

Stretching is most commonly taught during our basic training and therefore can often be interpreted as range of motion being the most important thing we should aim for with a client. However, that may not be technically quite accurate for many of our clients.

Range of motion isn’t necessarily the most important goal for good quality movement, particularly for those super mobile body types. Yet optimising muscle function is a priority for everyone in terms of risk reduction &amp; improving performance.

This is where a MET trumps methods like stretching, which by comparison could be deemed relatively aggressive, in some cases uncomfortable and often ineffective long term.

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<h2>Methods For Applying MET’s</h2>
There are various methods to applying an MET &amp; one of the most commonly taught is PNF or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation. While this model of ‘contract then stretch’ can be helpful it is also harder to perform on oneself &amp; requires the stretch component which again maybe a little too much for some. Also known as Autogenic Inhibition and Reciprocal Inhibition within the therapy world we could define and differentiate these further …..

If a sub-maximal contraction of the muscle is followed by stretching of the same muscle it is known as Autogenic Inhibition MET, and if a submaximal contraction of a muscle is followed by stretching of the opposite muscle than this is known as Reciprocal Inhibition MET (Physiopedia)

Ribot-Ciscar et al (&amp; subsequently Jiri Dvorak) did some work on what is also known as Post Contraction Sensory Discharge.

Both found that a sub maximal endurance isometric muscle contraction proved to be a superb method to improve the function of a muscle that, in our words….“..forgot how to relax..”

Sub maximal - means less than the maximum &amp; we found that cueing around 20% effort was most effective.

Endurance hold - is to sustain the isometric contraction for a period of time &amp; we found around 20 seconds was most effective

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<h2>So As A Personal Trainer When Do I Use It?</h2>
Possibly prior to anything else since it’s easy, anyone can do it, it is an empowering technique as they can perform it on themselves, it holds the least risk of most other techniques AND for almost 2 decades Biomechanics Coaches &amp; iMoveFreely Instructors everywhere have consistently had phenomenal results with clients &amp; participants who have often also reported being suddenly pain-free for the first time in years where the clinical world had failed them.

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<h2>How Do I Teach It To My Clients?</h2>
Well if you follow us on Instagram, Facebook etc you would already know many of the ways to apply them to your client’s programme. If not you could attend one of our online or face to face classes.

Otherwise here are some extra links to research them further so you can create your own. Then teaching a client is all about education as they often don't understand this new weird and wonderful technique BUT if you can do that they will LOVE you for it and come back for more!

...Love Movement &#x2764;&#xfe0f;

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<h3>Here are some more links and information on the topic of Muscle Energy Techniques...</h3>
<a href="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/1333-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Post Contraction Sensory Discharge</a>

<a href="https://leggehealth.ca/portfolio-item/muscle-energy-technique-met/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Legge Health Clinic - MET </a>

<a href="https://www.physio-pedia.com/Muscle_Energy_Technique" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Physio-Pedia </a>

<a href="https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/ace-answers/exam-preparation-blog/5336/golgi-tendon-organs-and-muscle-spindles-explained/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ACE Fitness - Golgi Tendon Organs and Muscle Spindles Explained</a>

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