Ahwatukee Foothill News

May 6, 2026

Whether you’re an athlete, someone with a sedentary lifestyle, or somewhere in between, stretching can play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and fitness.

Unfortunately, stretching as a core part of physical fitness is often overlooked.

Tori Thompson, certified personal trainer and co-owner of the Body Firm Personal Fitness Studio, 3636 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee, said many clients initially underestimate the importance of stretching until she and other staff members have the chance to educate them about and demonstrate the merits.

“The benefits are genuine and noticeable,” said Thompson. “They include increased flexibility, reduced muscle tension and pain, assistance with proper alignment to promote better posture, and even boost mental well-being. That said, why wouldn’t you want to include stretching in your workout?”

Thompson explained that education about the benefits of stretching focuses more on its practical use.

“The stretching movements we share with our clients support daily activities such as lifting something off a shelf or bending over to pick something up. You can be strong, but not flexible.”

“Who hasn’t heard stories of people sneezing and then feeling as if they’ve pulled a back muscle?” Thompson asked. “It’s a real thing.

“The force can strain weak back muscles and is exacerbated by long periods of sitting and poor posture.”

The studio’s emphasis on stretching is evident in classes dedicated solely to stretching and foam-rolling exercises, which also include demonstrations of the right and wrong ways to stretch effectively.

Thompson added that the culture of stretching is so strong that a recent monthly member challenge featured a calendar with a different stretch for each day.

“We always encourage our clients to move only to the feeling of the stretch, never past it to the point of pain,” she said. “Stretches are meant to release tension, and moving past that can actually cause harm rather than good results.”

Dr. Gary Liguori of the American College of Sports Medicine recommends stretching two to three times a week and suggests that daily stretching is even better.

“People who walk most days and that’s all they do, they’re not going to gain any shoulder or hip flexibility doing that,” he said. “They could lose their range of motion.”

Thompson said, “Flexibility is the foundation of a strong body – every stretch opens a door to greater movement, freedom, and well-being. Make a point of adding a stretching routine to help you reach your flexibility goals.”

The Body Firm Private Fitness Studio has been locally owned and operated since 2007. Information: thebodyfirmaz.com.