Welcome to Stretchlab South Loop

We are thrilled to introduce Robert as the first Flexologist to join our team at StretchLab South Loop! Robert recently graduated with his B.S. in Exercise Science, with coursework focusing on designing individualized evidence-based exercise programs. He put this education into practice with an extensive personal training internship at JK Strength & Fitness. Robert is a firm believer in applying science and research methodologies to the fitness industry, and helping people use data as a foundation for health and nutritional decisions. He is excited to join StretchLab to help his clients connect their flexibility and range of motion to improved energy, activity and overall quality of life. “Throughout my years in the fitness industry, I have learned that you cannot put a price on health and wellness. Investing in your own health will always be worth it.” Come stretch with Robert at one of our upcoming popup events!

Jessica comes from a background in personal training and group fitness. She has coached at OrangeTheory, OTG Bootcamp and most recently at Row House. Jessica believes the most important part of any fitness and wellness routine is consistency, so as a trainer she focuses on accountability coaching with her clients. She completed her B.S. in Exercise Science and just recently returned to school to pursue her Masters in Data Analytics. Which may seem like a plot twist, but Jessica has learned in her fitness coaching career the value of data in designing smart, achievable programs and wants to use that same data-driven approach to help businesses grow and make good decisions. When she’s not working, Jessica likes to keep active by doing a variety of workouts. Her current routine consists of boxing, HIIT style classes, and hot yoga and she tries to start her day with an açaí bowl - “they’re so good!”

Eli joins StretchLab with over 3 years of experience in the rehabilitation and recovery space, primarily as a Rehab Aide at Athletico as well as some work supporting Physical Therapists at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab. She graduated from UIC with her B.S. in Kinesiology and is currently pursuing her personal training and nutrition coaching certifications. Eli’s long-term goal is to become a Physical Therapist. For now, she is excited for the opportunity to work one-on-one with her members and clients at StretchLab to give you the ability to accomplish your daily activities and hobbies with less pain and greater freedom of movement. Eli was originally drawn to fitness and wellness by an increased awareness of her own genetic risk factors. This led her to make some drastic life changes of her own, embracing rock climbing, biking, pilates, yoga and running to take an active role in her own health and decrease those risks. She can’t wait to support and empower you to do the same! Her favorite breakfast is avocado toast with an egg, red pepper flakes, everything seasoning and mozzarella on top. How’s that for specific? Come stretch with Eli on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays!

Eduardo comes to StretchLab with extensive experience in physical therapy and rehabilitation work. He was drawn to PT as a career after his own experience with the recovery and rehab process for a broken leg in high school. After earning his B.S. in Exercise Science, he went on to complete the PTA program at Malcolm X and ultimately plans to pursue his full Physical Therapy degree. In the meantime, Eduardo is excited to join StretchLab and focus on mobility and preventative care for a while! He enjoys understanding people’s individual motivations and goals and helping them achieve better quality of life via fitness and wellness. Prior to joining us, he worked as a coach and personal trainer at FFC and Blink Fitness. When he’s not working, Eduardo enjoys playing baseball and it’s on his bucket list to visit all 30 baseball stadiums - he’s hit 6 so far!

J'Nae is a recent graduate of Southeast Missouri State University where she received her BFA in Dance. Throughout her time in college, she had the opportunity to choreograph, which allowed her to witness and facilitate strength and flexibility training and body awareness with other dancers. Upon graduating, J’Nae moved to Chicago to further her dance career with South Chicago Dance Theatre. Moving to a big city allowed her more opportunities to share her interests and practices of body awareness and wellness with other young dancers and now clients at StretchLab! J’Nae believes that understanding of your kinetic chain and the importance of proper wellness for your body will lead to a life of longevity! Along with working at StretchLab, her other goals include continuing her education in massage therapy practices and to continue performing!

We are excited to introduce Courtney as the newest member of our Flexologist team! Courtney comes to us with 5 years of experience as a rehab aide and behavioral therapist, and she is currently in school working toward her Doctor of Occupational Therapy. As a future occupational therapist, Courtney has always seen the value of caring for the body in all stages of life. She was drawn to StretchLab as our mission aligns so closely with this, creating a unique atmosphere for people of all ages to focus on stretching as an undervalued but important part of every wellness routine. For her own fitness and wellness, Courtney works out at the gym, practices aerial at Chicago Aerial Arts, and makes sure to include plenty of self-care days!

Marvin developed a passion and respect for stretching from his own athletic experience as a 4 year college athlete in basketball and track & field. His 4x100 meter relay team went to the state finals multiple times and won the national championship in 2022! Marvin studied Kinesiology with a pre-PT focus, graduating with his B.S. just last month. While his long-term goal is to pursue his Doctor of Physical Therapy, Marvin is excited to join StretchLab to help individuals improve flexibility and mobility, gain expertise in specialized assisted stretching techniques, and contribute to the daily wellness and satisfaction of his clients. When he has spare time, Marvin enjoys buying and selling sneakers and trying out new food spots. He is on the schedule Wednesday through Saturday and Mondays - come stretch with Marvin!

Juan received his B.S. in Kinesiology from UIC and is currently working toward his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. While his career path is focused in the rehabilitation space, Juan has a strong overall passion for fitness and mobility. He is a certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and has been a personal trainer at Phenomenal Fitness in the South Loop since 2018. “I love to see people develop a lifestyle around fitness that promotes health, wellness, and function. Taking care of your body isn't an easy task but when you build that habit it becomes fun and rewarding.” One of Juan’s favorite activities is running along the lakefront during the summertime. “Running is a great way for me to relax and relieve stress.” He also loves the show The Office because he feels that he would fit in perfectly with the Dunder Mifflin crew. Come meet Juan and see if you agree - he’s on the schedule Saturdays & Sundays!

Mario graduated from Roosevelt University earlier this year with his B.S. in Exercise Science. He grew up playing soccer and was teammates at Roosevelt with fellow Flexologist and StretchLab South Loop alum Patryk! Through his athletic career, Mario developed a deep appreciation for the importance of mobility and stretching, as well as a respect for rehabilitation and recovery. Prior to joining StretchLab, he honed his recovery skills as a Rehab Aide with Athletico. These days, Mario still plays soccer with friends and also really enjoys snowboarding which he picked up a few years ago. He took a recent trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan to snowboard and hike, and is hoping to do more of that this winter. Come in and try a stretch with Mario - he’s on the schedule Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays!