If you’re anything like me, you know how important it is to stretch—not just to prevent injury, but to enhance overall wellness and vitality. Yet, it’s often the first thing to go when we are pressed for time. “Most people don’t stretch because it takes time and isn’t particularly thrilling,” said Wilton Physical Therapy owner Tony Grabiec. “We encourage our patients to stretch, but more importantly, to engage in activities they enjoy—walking, biking, or even dancing—because movement keeps our joints lubricated and mobile.”
Stretching not only contributes to feeling good, it also offers many short- and long-term benefits, including better posture, increased athletic performance, improved balance and coordination, faster recovery, and better sleep. If that wasn’t enough, Grabiec reports growing research finding that exercising and being active correlate with living longer. One recent study out of Brazil explored the connection between flexibility (enhanced by stretching) and longevity. Examining data from 3,000 people over almost 30 years, it found that people with higher flexibility had a lower risk for mortality.
Grabiec sees this research come to life daily in his clinic. “My senior patients who have been active most of their lives through exercise or sport usually look younger, demonstrate good mobility, and have minimal or no balance issues.”
At the StretchLab in Ridgefield, clients are also focused on living well and long. Its motto, Live Long, is boldly displayed on the wall, pamphlets, and gear. “I always dreamed there would be a place like this,” said member Justin Stoney who has been visiting the StretchLab once a week for more than two years. “It’s restorative, but more active than a massage, and a great complement to my cardio and weightlifting workouts.”
So, what exactly happens during a session in the StretchLab? Experienced “flexologists”—professionals trained in health and wellness—perform a deep dive on every muscle to help increase blood flow, improve range of motion, heal injuries, and relax the central nervous system. “Ninety-five percent of us don’t stretch as our bodies truly need,” said manager Julie Baran. She explains that unlike a massage, which provides immediate relief, the StretchLab’s one-on-one assisted stretching program provides long-lasting benefits. Baran doesn’t just talk the talk—she lives it. “I had severe back pain and migraines for 15 years,” Baran said, “I started getting stretched consistently, and my back pain disappeared.”
Like Wilton PT, the StretchLab sees clients of all ages and abilities—children in sports, construction workers, curious people driving by, those referred by a doctor, and more. While most StretchLab clients opt for a monthly membership, a “floater flexologist” is also on hand, ready to take walk-ins. “I always feel better when I leave—in body, mind, and spirit,” said Stoney.
Whitney Coccaro, owner of Yoga Station & Wellness in Georgetown, also knows a thing or two about stretching. She made a pivotal life change two years ago, leaving a high-stress job in corporate tech sales to create a space dedicated to wellness. Trained in the Iyengar style of yoga that emphasizes alignment and body awareness, Coccaro’s approach goes well beyond physical flexibility. “It’s about stretching not just our bodies but also our minds and communities,” she said.
Her newly renovated Georgetown studio offers a variety of classes and styles to suit everyone’s stretching needs. During its popular yin yoga class, participants hold poses for three to five minutes, giving time for the fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles) to release tension and relax.
“We want to break the stereotype that yoga is only for flexible women,” Coccaro said. “We have students of all genders, ages, and fitness levels.” One of Yoga Station’s clients, a professional drummer, found that regular stretching helped alleviate discomfort in his hips, significantly improving his quality of life.
With such great options across the 068, why not take that first stretch…er step? Your body and mind will thank you. •
