Reviewed by: Lisa Battles
How 3 Birmingham locals leveled up their fitness at this stretching studio
Reading time: 5 minutes
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No matter your age, most of us have had one of those moments of saying, “I just can’t move like I used to.” Even if you have a great fitness and wellness routine, there may be a critical thing missing that is a game changer for a lot of people: personalized, practitioner-assisted stretching.
If you’re like us and curious about how it’s different from just stretching by yourself at home or gym, we talked to the team at Stretch Zone here in Birmingham for the answers. Read on to hear how it works, a few neighbors who’ve been doing it and how you can try it for free.
What Birmingham residents are saying
Who benefits from guided stretching? Almost everyone, of all ages and fitness levels. These three locals share how stretching improved their mental and physical health.
1. Al Del Greco: retired NFL player
Al Del Greco claims he’s never been flexible, even in his NFL days with the Tennessee Titans. Since then, he’s led a career coaching golf at Spain Park High School and Samford University. During retirement, he felt tension from years of athletic strain on his body, which hindered his days on the golf course.
“Since I’ve been on monthly maintenance at Stretch Zone, my back, hips, knees and everything have been so much better.”
Al Del Greco
2. Diane: 78 year-old local
Diane was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in her 40s and battled symptoms of stiffness and limited range of motion.
“I tried exercises on my own at home, but I just couldn’t stretch as deep as Christian can stretch me here.”
Diane
3. Luke: high school athlete
Luke is a local student athlete who improved his stride and running through sessions at Stretch Zone.
“Without those heavy legs and fatigue, you can make better and quicker decisions.”
Luke
Want to feel the difference like them? Get stretched at Stretch Zone!
The “secret” to stretching at Stretch Zone
Stretch Practitioner Christian Lett in action (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)
Ok, what’s the secret already? With this approach, you get a personalized, guided stretching routine focused on your stretch reflex, increasing your active range of motion over time.
“Here at Stretch Zone Birmingham, you can relieve soreness, increase flexibility, improve your range of motion and boost your athletic performance.”
Beth Marlowe, owner and Birmingham local
Stretch Zone uses their own table design and patented belt system to target specific muscles for upper, lower and total body relief.
They also make it easy and accessible for anyone to enjoy the benefits—you simply show up, lay down and the certified staff does all the work for you. Forget Googling stretch routines and figuring it all out on your own at home!
Try Stretch Zone for yourself and get your first 30-minute stretch for FREE.
Why it works
There’s plenty of science and research behind Stretch Zone’s kinesiology-based methods, but let’s break it down using a simple metaphor:
“While traditional stretching methods attempt to make you more “flexible,” we work to adjust the stretch reflex and increase your range of motion.”
“Consider how a car seatbelt works. If pulled too quickly, the belt locks. If the belt is forced, you are just stretching the material itself, and that’s where injury happens. When a car seatbelt is pulled smoothly and controlled, the belt will fully extend. It’s the same with your body’s stretch reflex.”
Stretch Zone Stretch Practitioner
While you’ll feel instant relief from your first visit, you’ll get the best results from consistent visits.
Some of the benefits of Stretch Zone:
- Feel lighter + younger
- Relieve stress, stiffness + pain
- Enhance athletic performance
- Increase + maintain range of motion
- Receive guidance + individualized care from certified staff
Meet the owners: Beth + Cheeto Marlowe
A true dynamic duo, Beth and Kevin “Cheeto” Marlowe channeled their entrepreneurial spirit when they took ownership of Stretch Zone in October 2024. Beth brings 11 years of experience in massage therapy and personal training to the table (note, Stretch Zone is not a massage therapy clinic, but a specialized practitioner-assisted stretching studio). Meanwhile, her husband supports on the business side, helping drive growth and community engagement.
After experiencing back pain herself eight years ago ago, Beth discovered the methods at Stretch Zone, joining the team just six months after opening. She has grown her career with the store over the years, recently taking the level up to ownership.
When they aren’t at work, the lively couple enjoys spending time with their son (9) and daughter (5), working out, going to church, playing pickleball, bow hunting and spending time on the water.
Book your first stretch appointment
The Marlowes welcome you to give them a visit and experience the benefits of assisted stretching yourself. In case you missed it, you can get your first 30-minute stretch for free! Take this as your sign to book your first appointment and start the journey to feeling younger and more fit.
- Where: 3056 Healthy Way, Suite 120, Birmingham, AL, 35243
- In the Patchwork Farms shopping center near Publix + Lifetime Fitness, east of 459 + just south of the Colonnade
- When: Monday-Friday 7AM-7PM | Saturday 8AM-4PM
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