Discovering movement you can love
At StretchLab Pinecrest, members are rediscovering the joy of moving freely—without pain or injury.
Like many of its members, StretchLab Pinecrest’s General Manager Christina Imondi (right) suffered from life-altering pain. Her journey to recovery is a remarkable testament to the value of assisted stretch.
Christina Imondi is the perfect person to talk about StretchLab, and how adding assisted stretching to our routines can offer life-changing benefits of increased mobility, stronger muscles and bones, and relief from nagging pain and discomfort.
Two years ago, Christina, a licensed massage therapist and EMT, was experiencing lingering pain from a car accident.
“I tried everything I knew to alleviate the pain from soft tissue damage to my back, neck and shoulders,” Christina says. “I was working on a massage client who told me about StretchLab. I tried it and it was the only thing that worked for me. My accident was a humbling experience, and I will never take a pain-free life for granted. Today, I’m jumping on the trampoline with my son again and living the life I want to live, thanks to StretchLab.”
Christina’s experience is not uncommon and is the reason she ultimately decided to become certified as a StretchLab Flexologist herself. Today, she is the general manager of StretchLab Pinecrest.
“At StretchLab, we address each person individually,” Christina says. “It’s not a one-stretch-fits-all experience. After we do a full-body mobility assessment, we begin working on your specific goals, measuring your progress along the way.”
Your Flexologist teaches body awareness and articulates exactly what they’re doing and why, working within your comfort zone. You are always in control of your stretch session.
“People often first notice the absence of pain,” Christina says. “They notice that simple movements that were difficult aren’t painful anymore. Once we get you pain-free, we can work on bigger goals.”
Flexologists have a mandatory background in fitness that may include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a related field along with a range of certifications in yoga, massage or personal training. In addition to their individual experience, Flexologists complete an extensive, three-tiered certification process that qualifies them to design a program appropriate for you. This training includes 60-plus hours at in-person workshops and 20-plus practice hours administering StretchLab’s 26 signature stretches.
Aches and pains and lack of mobility are common at any age, but they don’t have to be. And not all stretching is the same.
“Before your first stretch, a Flexologist reaches out to you about your goals, lifestyle, past injuries and other information,” Christina says. “Your first stretch begins with our simple MAPS assessment to determine Mobility, Activation, Posture and Symmetry, and provides us with the information we need to ensure you get the most out of your session. We recommend a 50-minute, 26-stretch initial session that targets every muscle group, and then future sessions are personalized to focus on your goals.”
Your Flexologist is your partner in wellness. You have a trained professional in your corner, cheering you on as you take the next steps in your fitness and mobility journey.
“Everyone who comes in has different goals that change along the way,” Christina says. “That’s what makes it so inspiring. I have clients who have had pain for years and now they are pain-free. I also see athletes of all ages who are incorporating stretching into their routines. We work on one issue, resolve it, and move on to something new.”
Studies show that stretching offers improved flexibility and pain relief, but also reduces the risk of injury, improves circulation, reduces stress, improves sleep, and helps muscles function more efficiently improving balance and coordination at every age.
“We see young people wanting to be their best at a sport and older adults living on their own wanting to avoid a fall and remain independent,” Christina says. “Stretching prepares the body for whatever is to come, and if an injury does occur, you’re in a much better position to recover if you’ve been stretching.”
StretchLab also offers members an app to follow progress and continue stretching at home. Sessions may include Normatec compression therapy to aid in recovery.
“We have clients experiencing benefits they never anticipated, such as improved sleep and less stress to fewer tension headaches and more,” Christina says.
Whether you’re achy from your desk job, training for a marathon, or want to shine on the pickleball court or golf course, StretchLab gets you ready and keeps you going.
“For me, it was reducing my lingering pain from a car accident,” Christina says. “For you, it may be something else. But when my 6-year-old said, ‘Mom, I like seeing you smile again,’ I had StretchLab to thank.”
Stretch Lab Pinecrest is located at 400 Park Avenue, Suite 194, in Orange Village. To schedule your initial stretch and for more information call
216-342-4740, visit
StretchLab.com or email
pinecrest@stretchlab.com.
Save 50%!
StretchLab Pinecrest offers a 50-minute Introductory Stretch for just $49. That’s a 50% savings. Call 216-342-4740 to schedule.
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