Bend Stretch Studio Helps Community Stay Active Longer

StretchLab Bend co-owner Blair Nicol discusses the benefits of assisted stretching for health, mobility, and vitality.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A ghostly, X-ray-like image of a human leg in a dynamic stretching pose, the bones and muscles visible as glowing lines against a dark background, conceptually representing the benefits of assisted stretching.StretchLab Bend's one-on-one assisted stretching sessions aim to help active locals maintain mobility and prevent injuries.Bend Today

In this episode of the Bend Into Balance podcast, host Adriana Mariño interviews Blair Nicol, co-owner of StretchLab Bend, about the importance of stretching for long-term health, injury prevention, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Nicol shares how StretchLab was inspired by Bend's fitness-focused community and a desire to offer an effective way for people of all ages to keep doing what they love for longer with less pain.

Why it matters

Bend, Oregon is known for its active outdoor culture, with residents enjoying hiking, cycling, skiing, and other sports well into their later years. However, maintaining mobility and flexibility can be a challenge as people age. StretchLab Bend aims to address this need by providing one-on-one assisted stretching sessions to help clients improve their range of motion, recover from injuries, and prevent future problems.

The details

StretchLab Bend was co-founded by Blair Nicol, who was inspired to bring the assisted stretching concept to the Bend community. The studio offers 25- and 50-minute personalized stretching sessions with trained 'flexologists' to help clients improve their mobility, flexibility, and overall physical health. Nicol believes that consistent, intentional stretching is foundational to healthy aging and allowing people to continue enjoying Bend's active lifestyle for years to come.

  • StretchLab Bend opened in the summer of 2024.
  • The Bend Into Balance podcast episode featuring Blair Nicol was recorded in April 2026.

The players

Blair Nicol

The co-owner of StretchLab Bend, a studio that provides one-on-one assisted stretching sessions to help clients improve mobility, flexibility, and physical health.

Adriana Mariño

The host of the Bend Into Balance podcast, which explores health, wellness, and fitness topics relevant to the Bend, Oregon community.

StretchLab Bend

A fitness studio in Bend, Oregon that offers personalized stretching sessions with trained 'flexologists' to help clients improve mobility, flexibility, and overall physical well-being.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing StretchLab to Bend was inspired by the community's active lifestyle and a desire to offer a simple, effective way for people of all ages to keep doing what they love longer and with less pain.”

— Blair Nicol, Co-owner, StretchLab Bend

What’s next

StretchLab Bend plans to host a free community stretching event on Memorial Day weekend to introduce their services to new clients.

The takeaway

As Bend's active residents seek to maintain their mobility and fitness well into their later years, StretchLab Bend provides a valuable resource to help them stay healthy, prevent injuries, and continue enjoying the outdoor activities that define the Bend lifestyle.