Based on the name alone, you might assume Stretch Zone, which opened in Dallas this June, has something to do with yoga. But you don’t have to lift a finger to reap the benefits of a session.
“Stretch Zone is a concept for people who are constantly on the go,” says Becca Menhart, general manager of Stretch Zone’s Dallas and Plano locations. “Wellness is a huge priority in Dallas, so we’re stoked to be able to serve our community through flexibility.”
Personal trainers at Stretch Zone, founded in Miami in 2004 by Jorden Gold, utilize patent pending equipment to correctly stabilize your body, reducing tension to get you in the optimal state for stretching. The main goal is to improve circulation, flexibility, resting muscle tone, and the quality of your motions.
When asked specifically who is coming to the stretch-only studio, the staff has seen it all. Menhart says the age requirement is 14, but they’ve seen athletes, group fitness junkies, post-physical therapy patients, and nervous system disorder patients of all ages.
“We like to describe ourselves as the lazy person’s yoga,” Menhart said. “We do all the work and you get all the benefits.”
Those “lazy yoga” sessions last 30 minutes apiece, and feature certified personal trainers who work one-on-one with clients while they lay on massage-like tables. Seems simple enough, right? Show up, relax and get stretched out.
Those not highly skilled in the flexibility department shouldn’t be intimidated. The Stretch Zone team works under the notion that stretching shouldn’t be painful, and they work within a “zone” that feels comfortable to you.
Each stretch begins with a very light range of motion and builds to the deepest stretch that still feels comfortable. This rhythm continues for the entire session, which are specifically crafted to you and your wellness needs.
And while you probably won’t be doing splits after your first session, regular stretchers should see increased flexibility over time. Many of the local Stretch Zone clients supplement their daily workout routines with one to three Stretch Zone sessions per week.
“Because we work to calm the nervous system, clients can expect to feel lighter, looser, more relaxed, and more mobile,” Menhart said. “Think waking up like Gumby instead of the Tin Man.”
