StretchLab was founded in 2015 by Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchisor of boutique fitness brands. – STRETCHLAB
Erin Garcia spent years working in management in the health and fitness space and fell in love with the concept of StretchLab after just one intro class. That led her to embark on the entrepreneurial journey of opening her first location of the franchise in the Brainy Borough.
“The process here in Metuchen has been such a positive experience,” Garcia, owner of the new StretchLab location in the Middlesex County municipality, told NJBIZ. “Mostly because there’s so many new and up-and-coming businesses. So, you don’t feel like you’re alone.”
At 31 New St., the studio is right in the heart of downtown Metuchen, located along a main plaza where many community events take place, drawing a lot of foot traffic to the area.
StretchLab is open and fully operational in the city, with Garcia planning for an official grand opening ceremony around March.
For those unfamiliar, the fitness franchise offers one-on-one assisted stretching inside a studio with an open atmosphere. The company was founded in 2015 by Xponential Fitness, the largest global franchisor of boutique fitness brands, and has quickly grown into one of the fastest-growing franchises worldwide.
In New Jersey, there are currently a handful of locations with more on the horizon.
“We have 10 benches that are out in the open,” Garcia explained. “So, it’s not like a doctor’s office. You don’t have to feel like there’s all these closed doors. There’s music going. It’s a little bit more vibrant, with the smell of the studio. The artwork of the studio is nice and bright.”
A big flex
Members are stretched by flexologists, who hold a nationally recognized certificate in assisted stretching.
The Flexologist Training Program is accredited by the Institute for Credentialing Excellence — a first in the field of assisted stretching and something StretchLab says no other brand offers.
StretchLab members are stretched by flexologists, who hold a nationally recognized certificate in assisted stretching. – STRETCHLAB
Garcia noted that the flexologists come from different backgrounds, as well.
“I think that’s the most exciting part of it because that’s the product really,” said Garcia. “So, they might be massage therapists. They might have a personal training background or physical therapy or sports medicine background. And then, on top of their certifications, they’re certified 100 hours just on stretching.”
She says she tries to match up whoever is coming through the door with the background of the flexologist for the best experience possible. And as Garcia explained, clients of all ages can use the stretching services for any number of reasons. In fact, she has seen members from ages 16 to 80 come through the doors with a close to even split between men and women.
“It’s not just for one person,” she said, pointing out that the concept is also not in competition with any other types of workouts. “It aids you in whatever you’re already doing in your life, whatever your personal goals are already.”
The studio also offers the TRX MAPS system, a revolutionary machine that identifies movement inefficiencies across four categories: Mobility, Activation, Posture and Symmetry. Using 3D technology, a scan is performed in under 30 seconds, with results delivered on-screen and via email, providing data to help flexologists better serve their members.
“You do a series of movements in front of it, and it tells you where your weaknesses are, where you need more flexibility, where your strengths are,” said Garcia. “And this is something we provide for our members so that they can see their results and track their progress.”
‘Small business friendly’
Garcia said her efforts these first few months are focused on bringing awareness to and telling the story of StretchLab’s benefits. That will include participating in community events, as well as inviting people in to try a free 15-minute stretch to see the benefits firsthand.
“We’ll be doing that straight through our grand opening,” said Garcia. “The one-on-one assisted stretch is huge in the city, but the awareness in how important stretching is is just now catching on. So, it is something that people really need to see to understand.”
She said neighboring businesses have reached out to make her feel welcome, offering help in different ways. “It’s just been such a welcoming experience,” Garcia said. “In the town of Metuchen, it’s been so positive because they’re so small business friendly.”
She believes that the fact that stretching is for everyone adds appeal.
“You will never feel left out because StretchLab offers a very inclusive environment,” said Garcia. “The vibe and overall energy in the studio is amazing, and I am looking forward to sharing the benefits with the community.”
