Stretching makes it better

For the last three years, StretchLab Avon has been working out the kinks and enhancing performance for golfers, tennis players, pickleballers and anyone looking to excel in their activity or perform daily tasks confidently, without pain and discomfort. 

Stefan Smith, StretchLab Avon manager, has always taken his fitness seriously. But if he’s being honest, stretching wasn’t a big part of his routine. 

“I’ve always been in the wellness field as a personal trainer and gym manager,” says Stefan. “I knew stretching was important, but I wasn’t consistent. Working at StretchLab and seeing the progress people make when incorporating stretching into their routines has inspired and motivated me. I’m a believer, and a practitioner now.”

Stefan joins StretchLab Avon members who have discovered the “magic bullet” of stretching. He says that on any given day, you’ll see members from an 8-year-old cheerleader improving her skills to a man in his 80s trying to maintain his independence as he ages.

“This is not a one-stretch-fits-all experience,” Stefan says. “Your stretch is as unique as you are, tailored to your goals. From elite athletes and weekend warriors to anyone looking to improve balance, posture and gain strength and mobility, StretchLab is truly for everyone.”

Your Flexologist, Your Partner

StretchLab offers one-on-one assisted stretching by a trained expert, a Flexologist. All StretchLab Flexologists have a background in a related field like exercise science, kinesiology, yoga or personal training and complete a three-tiered certification process including extensive online coursework, in-person workshops and 20-plus practice hours administering StretchLab’s signature 26 stretches. 

Your StretchLab assisted stretch is just that—yours. Every Flexologist keeps notes on each stretch, noting progress and new goals. Stefan says some clients prefer to work with the same Flexologist for continuity, while others like to try someone with a new perspective. 

“It can be nice to get a different opinion depending on where Flexologists are coming from in terms of past experiences,” Stefan says. “Flexologists also work together, bounce ideas off each other and get advice about particular needs of a client. It’s a very collaborative atmosphere to help clients reach their goals.”

When Flexologist Joe Mathewson came to StretchLab with a background in personal training, he didn’t consider himself very mobile.

“I was in good shape, but my mobility needed help,” says Joe. “I’ve come to realize stretching is just as important as your workouts, your recovery and also supports everything else you do in life. I see every day how stretching helps people do life better, whether that’s lifting heavy things, playing with the kids or running a marathon. It’s your life. Stretching makes it better.”

StretchLab finds that many clients want to ease their discomfort caused by a sedentary lifestyle, but when they want to do something active, they struggle with mobility or flexibility. Things like a past injury or simply sitting or standing all day cause nagging pain.

At StretchLab, Flexologists use a stretching technique called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, which uses resistance to target your body’s tissues and ligaments and improve muscle elasticity. But don’t worry about your stretch being painful.

“We’ll push you further than you’d push yourself, so you experience more significant results, but you are always in control of your stretch,” says Joe. 

The StretchLab Experience 

Before that first stretch, a team member will reach out to ask about your goals, lifestyle or past injuries. The information gathered here will be used to develop a customized stretch and program for you. 

“It is important to note that your StretchLab membership can be considered a qualified expense under an individual’s Health Savings Account,” says owner Jeanne Fuelling. “Many members use those accounts to pay for their stretches.”

StretchLab has also partnered with American Specialty Health (Active&Fit, Active Direct and Silver&Fit Basic) and Optum (One Pass, One Pass Select and Adaptive). All offer two or four sessions per month to eligible members.

“Your initial stretch begins with a simple MAPS assesment,” Stefan says. “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.”

Stretch Lab recommends a full, 50-minute initial stretch session targeting every muscle group and identifying your specific needs.



“It’s about improving your quality of life,” says Joe. “Consistency is key. Make stretching a lifestyle change and it will change your life.”

Call 440-536-8470 for anniversary celebration details, schedule your visit and your complimentary ten-minute stretch.

StretchLab Avon

35972 Detroit Road, Unit Z-1, Avon

440-536-8470

StretchLab.com/Location/Avon

avon@stretchlab.com