Move freely, live fully

Fall is nipping at our heels, and the long, lazy days of summer are dwindling. The good news is that fall is a beautiful time of year in Northeast Ohio—some might say the best time of year. And no one knows that better than golfers. That’s right, there’s nothing like a cool, crisp morning on the links—as long as the lower back and hips hold up in the colder temperatures. 

No matter what your goals are this fall, whether it’s golf, pickleball, padel tennis or simply keeping up with the kids or grandkids and feeling strong throughout the day’s activities, incorporating proper stretching into your routine will keep you moving without pain or injury. 

“It’s a busy time of year for the Flexologists here at StretchLab,” general manager Kim Newhouse says. “We work with so many golfers of every age, keeping them flexible and increasing their strength and mobility. The golf swing involves just about every part of the body, from the shoulders and torso to hips, hamstrings wrists and ankles. Stretching keeps all those joints, muscles and ligaments flexible and injury-free.”

StretchLab provides one-on-one assisted stretching designed to give you a deeper stretch than you could achieve on your own. Your Flexologist is a trained and certified expert with a background in a related field like exercise science, kinesiology, yoga or personal training, who completes StretchLab’s three-tiered certification process including extensive online coursework, in-person workshops, and 20-plus practice hours administering StretchLab’s signature 26 stretches. 

“Our Flexologists are prepared to work with a variety of clients regardless of age and physical abilities,” Kim says. “We see top-level athletes to people in their 80s and 90s. Everyone has a goal, whether it’s peak athletic performance or staying strong and mobile to continue the activities you love or remain independent. Whatever it is, stretching will get and keep you there.”

Your initial stretch at StretchLab begins with a simple MAPS assesment. MAPS determines Mobility, Activation, Posture and Symmetry to ensure your Flexologist focuses on the right muscle groups, and you get the most out of your session.

Even before that first stretch a StretchLab, a staff team member will reach out to ask about your goals, lifestyle or past injuries.

“This is a personal and hands-on experience, not one-stretch-fits-all,” Kim says. “We find out what your goals and limitations are before we stretch you. The MAPS test allows us to measure your capability in terms of movement. Then we continually repeat the MAPS test to gauge your progress.”

But the proof is in the performance, right? And that’s where StretchLab shines. They see success stories every day with clients not only reaching their goals but also going beyond what they ever thought possible. 

“We have older clients who have given up their walkers and canes and golfers thrilled because they’re playing and feeling better than ever,” Kim says. “People are realizing the truly remarkable benefits of consistent stretching and what that really means for our bodies at any age.”

StretchLab stretches utilize a stretching technique called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), which uses resistance and breath control in both static and dynamic stretches designed to relax, stretch and lengthen the muscles to improve flexibility. 

“This is where the Flexologist’s knowledge and training come in,” Kim says. “They know just how far to push you and, working off a scale of one to 10, you are never in pain and always in complete control of your stretch.”

The hands-on approach at StretchLab allows your Flexologist to actually feel your starting point and then feel and see the progress in your muscles and mobility with every stretch. No other workout class offers this. An instructor is never really sure how a class affected you physically. 

“We feel it, and you see it in your daily life,” Kim says. “Golfers come in giddy with excitement about how much farther they hit the ball and how their swing has improved with their increased flexibility, not to mention the stamina to walk 18 holes. It’s a great feeling. And the best news is, it’s never too late to start stretching.”

StretchLab also gives clients “homework,” so they have the confidence to stretch on their own.

“We have an app where you’ll find stretches just for you, anytime,” Kim says. “People tell us they never stretched for fear of doing the wrong thing and causing more harm than good. We want you to stretch without fear. So go ahead and swing away at life, with the help of StretchLab.”

Stretch Lab Hudson is located at 103 First Street in Hudson. To schedule your initial stretch and for more information call 234-602-2600, check the website StretchLab.com or email hudson@stretchlab.com.