Flex Time

Do you usually skip stretching? Two new fitness boutiques focus exclusively on this often-neglected but essential step.

 

Photograph courtesy of @holixtic

LYMBR

Whether you’re experiencing “tech neck,” shoulder or lower-back pain, or just feel tight and uncomfortable due to an intense workout regimen, a good stretch may be just what you need to relieve tension and stiffness, improve your posture and help you feel more limber.

The stretching boutique LYMBR was founded by a group of friends who all enjoyed an active lifestyle, including competitive sports, but realized that not enough time was being spent on recovery and flexibility. They knew that staying limber was key to remaining active in the years ahead, so they decided to found a boutique fitness studio that focused on one-on-one stretching.

LYMBR’s “guru,” who has more than 25 years of experience in both massage and stretch therapy, designed its programs and developed new protocols. The studio, which has locations in Tribeca and Southampton, offers 30- and 60-minute sessions with stretch therapists who work with clients to relieve pain and tension, help them achieve their individual fitness and performance goals and give them a sense of relaxation and serenity. LYMBR Southampton at The Spur @ The Station, 280 Elm St., Southampton, 631.488.4566; belymbr.com —Anne Marie O’Connor

 

Stretch*d

Always at the forefront of fitness trends, SLT founder Amanda Freeman is now targeting a much-neglected area: post-workout recovery. Her newest venture, Stretch*d, which opened May 13 in the Flatiron district, offers one-on-one assisted stretch sessions, varying in length from 25 to 75 minutes.

“It’s like Drybar for stretch,” says Freeman, who has a home in Wainscott. Stretch*d has eight rooms and offers such add-ons as compression boots that help get blood flowing, inversion tables to use before or after a session, and a range of CBD snacks that enhance muscle relaxation.

“People have been doing marathons, triathlons, high-impact cardio and strength training and aren’t taking the time to recover,” says Freeman, a mother of two. “Now we are seeing a shift in that mindset. Stretching can help undo damage, even for those who are sitting at a desk, carrying kids or traveling constantly.”

Freeman and her three partners—Vanessa Chu, Jeff Brannigan and Jeremy Mayer—are already planning to open new Stretch*d locations in Noho and the Upper East Side. stretchdspace.comBeth Landman

Two Ways To Tone Up: If your routine is losing steam in the dog days of summer, change it up with one of these inspiring workouts.

Group Pilates Classes 

Due to high demand, Uptown Pilates is expanding the number of group Pilates classes it’s offering this summer. Each session has a maximum of six students, so you’ll still get lots of individual attention from some of NYC’s top teachers. Classes are taught on a Reformer/Tower combination for a well-rounded, full body workout. (It’s true—Pilates targets every muscle.) As always, private and semi-private sessions are also available. Uptown is planning renovations and an expansion of its East End space, so look for a new, larger studio, with even more offerings, at the same location next summer. 23 Bridge St., Sag Harbor; uptownpilates.com —AMO

Elements Fitness’ Class at Carbon 38

Andrea Fornarola, founder of Elements Fitness Studio, is teaching one of her signature classes, Toned AF, at Carbon 38’s new-this-season store on August 15 from 9 to 10AM. The class fuses ultra-isometric exercises, ballet conditioning and Pilates core work. Afterward, when you’re feeling all tight and toned, is the perfect time to shop Carbon 38’s line of luxury activewear. Carbon 38, 2424 Montauk Hwy., Bridgehampton; elementsfitnessstudio.com, carbon38.com —AMO