Stretchlab Austin Street

These guys opened up a while ago. As soon as I saw it advertised they caught my attention because if there is anyone who needs help with flexibility, it’s me.

So after months of going back and forth with them on text messages I decided that the price was fair enough to give it a test run. Patrick was the first stretch pro I worked with. He made my first experience pleasant and was probably instrumental in my decision to purchase a package afterward.

After settling in and your initial introductions, during your first visit you will perform a mobility assessment using some computer software. My assessment on the computer was mostly red. In case you haven’t deduced this already, red is not good. We had a laugh about my less than impressive stats and then moved on to the work at hand.

Patrick guided me through a series of stretches that covered all the way from my feet to my head. This is assisted stretching, so it is very physical and hands on. If you are touch averse, this isn’t for you. Rolling around with training partners on mats is nothing new to me, so I was perfectly fine with this.

During my membership, I went through a few different stretch professionals and everyone is different in how they do things. Some felt like they went a little deeper with the stretches and others felt like they took a much gentler, softer approach. I’m not sure which way is better when it comes to stretching, though I tend to push a bit harder most of the time. I can feel the results more that way. But again, I’m not sure what is better so I defer to them on this.

I believe that the stretches are primarily laid out and scripted for us, as in there is a general template of stretches that they go through. However, I did notice that they do make adjustments based on the individual’s needs, wants, flexibility or lack thereof. Lack being the operative word for me. There were times I was meant to feel a stretch in a certain area, but because I am so tight, I felt it elsewhere.

It’s very similar to my experience in Yoga. I’m so tight it hasn’t even gotten past those primary muscles to reach the intended area. Though they did try their best to adjust my body in a way that I could feel it where it’s meant to stretch. I’m definitely a tough client though, because as I mentioned, I am very tight!

I really enjoyed the experience here and if I were a wealthy man and money was not a factor in my life, I would 100% be there at least 3 times a week. It’s certainly not a cheap service, but the cost is in line with a private BJJ or boxing class. You are paying for an expert in their field to do one on one work with you for 25 or 55 minutes, so I get it.

I think that this combined with Yoga would really serve to improve my quality of life in so many ways, but unfortunately I’m not wealthy. Sadly, money does limit you in life. I also can’t afford to get some specialized treatments to fix my neck and other long term injuries. They do have good sales every so often, and if you are on the fence about trying it, wait for one of those and go give it a try. This can really be a game changer for you. I loved it.

I will note that before starting a session, make sure your therapist is fully aware of any existing injuries. I have a neck injury that I mentioned before my session, and despite flagging it again mid-session when the therapist began a stretch that concerned me, he encouraged me to trust the process. I did, and I ended up in pain for several days afterward.

Your comfort and safety come first. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up and don’t be talked out of your instincts. A good therapist will always work around your limitations, not through them.