Stretching the Limits and Redefining Recovery
When Stretch ATL founder and certified stretch therapist launched her first studio in 2013, she wasn’t simply opening a wellness space—she was laying the foundation for a movement. A movement rooted in inclusivity, progressive healing, and a belief that stretching deserves a central role in every wellness routine.
It all began years earlier, back in 2008, when she was still a chiropractic student. “I was introduced to Pilates by my mentor,” she recalls. “She opened my eyes to the similarities between chiropractic care and Pilates. I noticed the lack of representation and realized I needed to make the move—to become an advocate for holistic wellness in an uninformed community.” That spark grew into something more powerful. By 2010, her evolving knowledge and skill led her to start building what would eventually become Stretch ATL.
“My current practice is a solidified version of what I’d been striving for since 2008.”
In a city brimming with wellness options, Stretch ATL stands out not only for its range of services, but for its unwavering commitment to community. The studio blends Pilates with fascial stretch therapy, offering clients a well-rounded approach to healing and movement.
But Stretch ATL goes even further. “We host special services through a facialist, chiropractor, and a manicurist. Plus, we have a mobile unit that literally allows us to reach deeper into our target clientele,” she explains. “What ultimately separates us is how we network amongst each other. We foster resources from one another before venturing into the unknown, which has created a tight-knit family.”
That spirit of collaboration, care, and innovation has fueled the opening of a second Stretch ATL location this year—a major milestone, and one that reflects not only her vision, but a growing need. “I knew the community needed more within health and wellness,” she says. “They actually wanted it—especially after the Covid shutdown. Because I was the one to create that trust, I felt the responsibility to deliver.”
At the heart of Stretch ATL is a firm belief in the power of movement and recovery. The studio’s signature offering—Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST)—is designed to target the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and joints. The result is a unique, deeply restorative experience that supports mobility, flexibility, and full-body integration.
“Fascial stretch therapy is a game changer. Movement is medicine—this allows for ultimate movement and improves quality of life.”
In an industry often fixated on aesthetics and performance, stretching is still widely overlooked. But Stretch ATL is changing that narrative. “People are hyper-focused on building exactly what they want in their wellness routine,” she says. “I'm here to show that with recovery practices, beauty isn’t always pain. You can still be highly functional after arm or leg day. Feeling better on the inside can make you look better on the outside—more than you’d ever imagine.”
Her journey hasn’t been without obstacles. As a woman of color entrepreneur in the wellness industry, she’s had to pave her own path. “My biggest challenge was to teach people what they were missing,” she says. “Not only did I have to build a space, I had to create the space.”
And she didn’t stop at just creating space for clients—she’s also opened doors for aspiring professionals through the development of a Certified Professional Stretch Therapist Program. The program is designed to pass on what she’s learned over more than a decade and ensure the longevity of her approach to healing.
“You must teach onward—pass the info I was taught. In hindsight, it allows my teaching to reach farther than my hands could ever go.”
The impact of the stretch therapist program is far-reaching. It not only expands the skillsets of massage therapists, Pilates instructors, and other bodyworkers, but also enhances the influence of Stretch ATL through the studio’s existing Pilates certifications.
“It enhances bodyworkers by expanding their arsenals.”
For those considering a similar path, she keeps her advice simple but powerful: “Stay educated. Be willing to learn more as the industry evolves.”
Even after more than a decade in business, her motivation remains as strong as ever. “When clients come to me and speak their testimonies about positive life changes due to my expertise—it’s a true intrinsic reward. Making others feel and live better is what I’ve done everything for.”
As for her personal approach to wellness? She starts each day with meditation. Her favorite stretch is anything hip-opening—especially the frog pose. And when asked to describe her journey so far, her answer is both humble and full of pride: “Long, rewarding, fulfilling, impactful.”
At a time when the wellness industry is becoming increasingly complex, Stretch ATL is keeping it simple and deeply human: Build trust. Move with purpose. And never underestimate the power of a good stretch.
Dr. Tanya Stephenson is the Founder and Senior Instructor Stretch Therapist at ATL Stretch, a Pilates and Stretch Therpay Studio located in Atlanta, GA, USA.