![]() Throughout my life, I’ve been wheelchair bound, worn leg braces, done years of physical therapy, and had multiple surgeries. ![]() I was born with a rare condition called arthrogryposis, which means I have very tight joints and very weak muscles, and practically no core. But also, because I am disabled, and I have been my entire life. One, because it’s hard to live up to this idealized lifestyle in my everyday life. To be honest, this scene has always intimidated me. Think I’m exaggerating? Search fitness in Dallas on Class Pass, and more than 300 spots pop up. Everywhere you look, there’s a chain or local studio enticing you to come in, say a couple of positive affirmation mantras, drop a ton of money, and get fit from a super skinny, buff instructor-cycling, pilates, HIIT, you name it. Hi everyone, I’m Catherine, an online editor here at D, covering lifestyle and wellness. But just how accessible are these spots for someone who’s not totally able-bodied? Every week, D’s wellness editor Catherine Wendlandt-who has a disability called arthrogryposis-will try out one of the spots and report on its accessibility and difficulty. A monthly membership costs $149 and includes four 25-minute sessions.From cycling to HIIT to Pilates, there’s a boutique gym in Dallas for every type of workout. After that, single sessions cost $49 for 25 minutes, $95 for 50 minutes. Lake St., Mpls., There’s also a location in Plymouth (2700 Annapolis Circle N., Suite C, One-time introductory sessions cost $49 for 50 minutes. Locations: I visited the one at Calhoun Village (3204 W. In fact, StretchLab requires a clearance note from your doctor if you’re recovering from a serious injury, surgery or have recently had a hip or a knee replacement. ![]() Who it’s not for: People who don’t like to be touched and anyone suffering from a traumatic injury. Who it’s for: “Everyone can benefit from stretching,” said Hall, “some more than others.” While StretchLab has clients ranging in age from 7 to 91, most are fairly active people in their 40s to 60s and “have some sort of physical pain.” A little dull pain is fine as you move deeper into a stretch, but you never want to feel a sharp, shooting pain. He or she will move you slowly and carefully into and out of each stretch. Your instructor will explain the pain scale (1-10) and talk about what’s comfortable for you. All you need to do is follow the pro’s simple instructions on the correct positions and breathing patterns.ĭon’t: Push into pain. The whole idea is to let your Flexologist do the work for you. As Hall said, “It’s not a workout studio it’s a recovery studio.”ĭo: Relax. Plus, going to StretchLab was more like a visit to the massage therapist or the chiropractor than a CrossFit or Orange Theory gym. With Schwietz’s help, I was able to stretch more deeply and hold those stretches longer. What it’s like: Once I got used to someone else manipulating my legs, arms, shoulder and neck, it was surprisingly relaxing. At the end of the 25-minute session, I was wishing I had signed up for the longer 50-minute one. ![]() Then he released it and repeated the same stretch twice more, going a bit deeper each time. Then he started working from large muscles to small, taking one leg at a time, moving it slowly into a stretch position, which he held for a few seconds. He started by warming up my legs, then my arms, moving them in a gentle, circular motion. My Flexologist, Hunter Schwietz, led me to one of the benches and explained that we’d be moving through 12 different stretches. The Calhoun Village location (in the Minneapolis strip mall that contains Rustica bakery and a Barnes & Noble) is a compact, open room with 10 padded benches. That’s why I decided to give assisted stretching a try. I know I’d feel better if I could get myself to stretch more, but it’s a struggle for me. Of course, that’s not enough: I’m always sore. #Stretch lab trialTrial run: When I’m done with my daily workouts, I regularly do a good, oh, 30 seconds of stretching. #Stretch lab fullAssisted stretching is often used as a supplement to physical therapy, massage therapy or chiropractic care, especially when returning to full functionality after an injury. What it’s supposed to do: According to Kyle Hall, manager of StretchLab Calhoun, deep stretching decreases the risk of muscle and joint pain, improves mobility and can help prevent injuries. Because you remain passive, you’re able to get a deeper stretch with assistance than you would on your own. You can choose to work all of your muscle groups or target a specific area. #Stretch lab seriesWhat it is: StretchLab is a hands-on, assisted stretch session in which a trained Flexologist moves you through a series of stretches. ![]()
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