Welcome to Stretchlab Old Town

She is a fitness professional with several areas of expertise including core training, Pilates, weight training and Flexibility. Currently working  as a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and corrective exercise specialist. It is her passion to help clients achieve greater mobility and flexibility by identifying compensations in overactive and under active muscles while also creating a customized plan geared towards their specific needs. Mary's objective is to help people achieve their ultimate health and fitness goals by meeting people where they are. She has been a fitness coach for over 9 years, and loves helping others to discover their greatness within. With the valuable knowledge, insight, and skills gained, she is able to help clients of all levels reach their peak performance, flexibility, and strength potential. Outside of personal training and being a flexologist, some of Mary's hobbies include creating natural shea butters with essential oils, working out 4-5 days a week, attending webinars, and CEU courses to gain additional knowledge that will allow her to better assist her clients. Mary has a four year old mixed Labrador retriever who loves to watch TV and drink gallons of water.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, California. Alexa is currently pursuing a masters degree in Philosophy and Bioethics from Depaul University. Prior to Stretchlab, she was a competitive athlete participating in the sports basketball, rugby and golf. Alexa has a background in Physical Therapy and currently hold a group fitness certification. In her free time you can catch her on a plane going on a next adventure or in the streets of Chicago looking for the best food spots! Being a part of Stretch Lab not only allows her to build meaningful interactions with each person that walks into the studio, but also help those individuals meet their goals with mobility.

(He/Him) Moving back to the area from central Ohio, Edward is happy to be back in the Chicago area reconnecting with the city and friends. Receiving his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois, Edward is excited to work hands on with clients, working towards their own mobility goals! Understanding that everyone has their own vision of Health and Wellness, Edward has spent his career in assisting with preventative behaviors and encouraging lifelong fitness and mobility either as a Exercise Physiologist or as a Health and Wellness Coach. Edwards enjoys staying active himself and can often be found jogging on the 606 trail and is ready to experience the Chicago Summer everyone talks

A Detroit native, Alex has been living in Chicago for the past 6 years. He received his BFA in Dance from Grand Valley State University and is a Senior Company member with Chicago Repertory Ballet. Alex teaches dances and choreographs at a number of studios in the Chicagoland area. Training and working at StretchLab has allowed him to deepen his understanding of stretching/flexibility and share his experience with others. Alex uses his knowledge of dance technique and stretching to provide clients with a relaxing stretch experience that focuses on muscle health, recovery and flexibility. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cooking and socializing with friends.

Emily (she/her) is new to Chicago, having recently moved here from her home town of Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a professional dancer and dance teacher, and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University. Having over 20 years of training in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance, Emily has a real love and appreciation for movement and the incredible things our bodies are capable of achieving. Through her personal exploration of movement and her experience teaching, she understands the importance of flexibility in relation to each unique individual and their body. Emily loves exploring the city, walking around the museums, finding new restaurants, and when she's not on the stage, catching as many performances as she can from the audience.

Saman is a dynamic dance artivist and scholar, currently advancing her Ph.D. in dance philosophy and science. She acquired her BSc and an MSc in Kinesiology/Physiology/Anatomy of movements, further enhancing her expertise with a second Master’s in Dance from Florida State University. With a comprehensive scientific background in Exercise Physiology and Sport Science, she seamlessly integrates her artistic talent with scientific acumen. With over two decades of experience, Saman has honed a wide array of skills, including Dance Conditioning and Science, Gyrotonic, and various fitness disciplines like Group Classes, CrossFit, and Yoga. She imparts her knowledge at diverse institutions and universities, enriching the curriculum with her interdisciplinary approach. Her repertoire spans dance science, conditioning, kinesiology, and styles such as contemporary, Latin, and traditional Iranian dances and such. As a performer and choreographer, Saman has enlivened stages across the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East with her storytelling through movement. Committed to education, Saman teaches a multitude of dance styles, leading workshops that highlight the confluence of dance and well-being. Her fluency in seven languages enhances her pedagogy, fostering a deep connection with an array of students. Saman's active role in the academic sphere through conferences and publications demonstrates her dedication to dance as a conduit for cultural dialogue and a means for advancing health and therapy. Her steadfast devotion to dance education and her impactful contributions to the performing arts have established her as a venerated artist and mentor in the international dance community.

Meet De'Eric! His journey to becoming your guide on the path to greater flexibility began with a fascination for the human body in motion, fueled by a background in anthropology. This fascination soon blossomed into a lifelong passion for movement, reflected in his diverse experiences. De'Eric, a dedicated massage therapy student, is constantly learning new ways to work with the body. But there's a twist!Being an avid cyclist who logs rides 365 days a year has taught him the importance of mobility and recovery firsthand. Combine that with his experience as a figure model, holding demanding poses for hours on end for artists, and you get a unique understanding of the body's needs for both flexibility and endurance. This unique blend of knowledge and experience informs De'Eric's approach at Stretch Lab. He won't just lead you through an awesome assisted stretch session based on the Stretch Lab method – he'll incorporate his flexology expertise to create a truly holistic stretch experience. Think: targeted mobility exercises and stretches inspired by the human body in motion, designed to help you move better, feel fantastic, and conquer anything your day throws at you! When You Book with De'Eric: Passionate & Knowledgeable: De'Eric's enthusiasm for movement is contagious, and his background in massage therapy, flexology, and personal experience ensures a session tailored to your specific needs and goals. Movement Maestro: Forget cookie-cutter routines! De'Eric will work with you to create a personalized stretch experience that maximizes your results, drawing from his diverse knowledge base. Your Body in Motion Concierge: Curious about your body, movement, or stretching? Don't hesitate to ask! De'Eric is here to be your guide on your path to increased flexibility and recovery, just like he navigates his own active lifestyle.