Keep your body in play

Summer is here and it’s time to stretch. If you haven’t been keeping up with a consistent stretching routine, or if stretching has never been a part of your summer activity preparation, it’s not too late. StretchLab Fairlawn is ready to meet you exactly where you are and guide you to performance levels you may have thought were well in the rearview mirror.

“Many clients come to us for an assisted StretchLab stretch right before they get back out on the golf course or start enjoying other activities like tennis or pickleball,” area manager Jenna Wiebe says. “It helps, of course, but it’s consistent stretching throughout the year that makes a lasting difference and keeps you performing at levels you never thought possible, whatever that means for you.”

StretchLab offers one-on-one assisted stretching guided by trained experts called Flexologists, who provide a stretch you can’t achieve on your own. Two of the biggest reasons people hesitate to stretch are they’re not sure what to do and they don’t want to hurt themselves. At StretchLab, you’ll not only learn the proper way to stretch, but they’ll also do it for you.

“The benefits of consistent stretching allow us to do just about everything better, longer,” says Jenna. “Specifically for sports like golf, tennis and pickleball, where twisting, turning, bending and reaching are all necessary, StretchLab will have you consistently performing better and a big component of that progression is recovery.”

Jenna explains that a committed stretching program allows your body to recover faster so you can continue the activities you love and improve your performance, but not all stretching is the same.

StretchLab Flexologists use a stretching technique called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, which uses resistance to target the body’s tissues and ligaments and improve muscle elasticity. You are never in pain and are always in control of your stretch.

“We are your partners and talk you through every stretch, explaining what we’re doing and welcoming your feedback,” says Jenna. “We want to know what your goals are. Are you looking for increased flexibility and strength to perform in a competitive sport, or are you looking to improve your golf swing? Do you want to increase your mobility and stamina to keep up with the grandkids? How about improving balance and steadiness to remain independent as you age? Every client has unique goals, and stretching is an important component for all of them.”

Your initial 50-minute stretch begins with a simple MAPS assessment determining mobility, activation, posture and symmetry. Flexologists identify your specific needs, allowing them to work on the right muscle groups and get the most out of your sessions. Periodic repeats of the MAPS test track progress as flexibility increases, pain lessens and new goals are set.

Before you arrive for your first session, a Flexologist reaches out about goals, lifestyle, past injuries and other information. StretchLab Flexologists have backgrounds in health and fitness and complete an extensive, three-tiered certification process that includes 60 hours of in-person workshops and 20-plus hours of hands-on training administering the 26 signature StretchLab stretches designed to address every muscle group.

Wherever your summer travels take you, StretchLab offers reciprocity at studios all over the country. Members can keep up with a stretching routine wherever they go.

“StretchLabs are popping up all over,” says Jenna. “So, stick with your stretching routine with StretchLab. Your body, and your summer pickleball partner, will thank you.”

Call 330-664-9544 and schedule your $49, 50-minute initial stretch.

StretchLab Fairlawn

3763 West Market St., Fairlawn

330-664-9544

StretchLab.com/Location/Fairlawn