StretchLab Offers Customized Stretches
Writer / Renee Larr
Photographer / Justin Sicking
Stretching not only increases flexibility, but can also help decrease pain, improve athletic performance, improve posture, and reduce stress and tension. If we know the benefits of stretching, why are so few of us taking the time to do it? Matt and Susan Maloney are bringing the benefits of stretching to the masses with their new Carmel business, StretchLab.
Matt spent 30 years in corporate marketing and sales, and was looking to build something of his own. Susan spent 30 years working in fitness and wellness. The couple jumped at the idea of opening a StretchLab location in the Carmel/Westfield area.
We stumbled upon StretchLab and fell in love with the concept right out of the gate, Matt Maloney says. So many people deal with pain and nagging injuries, or just a general lack of flexibility and mobility. StretchLab is something we felt could really help a lot of people move, feel, and live better.
The new concept provides one-on-one, customized stretches facilitated by a trained professional called a Flexologist. Clients come in for an initial session and are evaluated using a 3D body scanning tool called MAPS.
The client does three overhead squats in front of the machine, Maloney says. It gives us a quantitative score, but also shows an image of the body highlighting areas of tightness or imbalance.
The information helps flexologists tailor stretches to each clients needs. StretchLab utilizes a stretching technique called proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). The flexologist puts the client in a stretch position, asking them to contract specific muscles and hold the contraction. This increases blood flow to the muscles and leads to a deeper stretch.
The great thing about stretching is it benefits everyone, Maloney says. Our clients range in age from teens to 70s and 80s. We have clients who do very intense workouts multiple times a week, and use stretching to recover and prevent injury. We also have clients who have had injuries in the past or maybe arent that active or mobile. We like to say StretchLab is for everybody and every body.
Each flexologist must have some type of body certification before working at StretchLab. Then they go through a 60-hour certification process through StretchLab that includes online classes, a hands-on workshop and dedicated practice time.
Weve got flexologists that are certified for personal training, massage therapy, physical therapy and yoga, so they all understand the body and are good working with people, Maloney says. They are also people that truly care about helping others and want to make a difference in transforming peoples lives.
Depending on goals and needs, clients benefit most from one or two sessions per week. StretchLab offers monthly packages for maximum benefit. Clients with memberships also have access to a library of videos they can utilize at any time for quick stretches at home.
StretchLab is located at 2462 E. 146th Street in Carmel. For more information, give them a call at 317-689-0842 or visit them online at stretchlab.com.
