That's a stretch

State-of-the-art stretching studio expands into Austin suburbs

StretchLab is expanding its reach.

Courtesy photo

COVID-19, election mania, stay-at-home recommendations, job worries: It’s not a stretch to say the stress of 2020 has affected Austinites in many physical ways. One new Round Rock wellness studio has the answer: Don’t muscle it out; get stretched.

Irvine, California-based StretchLab, an assisted-stretching franchise, has opened a location in the Crossing Point Shopping Center at 2800 S. IH-35 Frontage Rd., promising to help achy customers ease into a more pain-free existence through assisted stretching. This is the fourth area location for StretchLab, which also has state-of-the-art studios in Mueller, West Austin, and South Austin.

Locally owned and operated by entrepreneurs Linda and Jeff Levick, the Round Rock franchise offers a variety of one-on-one assisted-stretching services with a trained “flexologist” who customizes stretches based on customers’ needs. The studio also provides group-stretch sessions during which flexologists guide a maximum of six customers through a series of stretches. Customers in need of a more intensive session can opt for a 50-minute head-to-toe deep stretch that focuses on all major muscle groups.

The company claims stretching is “the most remarkably simple thing you can do to move better,” pointing to an array of health benefits that come with assisted stretching, from improved sports performance and increased flexibility, to reduced muscle and joint pain, better posture, and diminished stress and better clarity.

“With our active lifestyles, we realize the importance of stretching and how it improves the body’s flexibility and longevity,” co-owner Linda Levick says in a release. “Regardless of your age or athletic experience, assisted stretching enhances your personal and physical wellness. Jeff and I take great pride in the opportunity to provide such a beneficial service to our neighbors in Round Rock.”

In addition to its assisted-stretching services, the new Round Rock StretchLab studio features a TRX MAPS machine, a state-of-the-art apparatus that, within seconds, can identify a person’s movement inefficiencies across four categories: mobility, activation, posture, and symmetry. Real-time results enable flexologists to create a customized movement plan for individual customers that provides a measurable way to track flexibility progress.

Monthly memberships are available for personalized and group services. The Round Rock StretchLab studio is currently following a variety of social-distancing and safety measures, including reduced studio capacity, required masks for visitors and employees, contactless check-in, and equipment sanitization before and after each use.

openings fitness

Women's sports pub with Title IX inspiration acquires space near UT Austin

Photo courtesy of 1972

The new sports bar focuses on women's sports but welcomes fans of all kinds.

A pioneering bar celebrating women's sports has officially settled on a location in Austin. The idea was announced about a year ago, when it was called ATX Women's Sports Pub, but it now bears the more metaphorical name 1972, referring to the year Title IX started protecting women's rights in federally funded schools.

The new location is at 2530 Guadalupe St., the former home of Moody’s Kitchen and Bar. Moody's announced it was closing the same day that it handed over the keys, according to KXAN. The 1972 team expects it to be open "just in time" for March Madness, which starts March 16.

Old Moody's Kitchen and Bar location UT students probably know this space.Photo courtesy of 1972

Renovations are still underway, according to an email from a spokesperson. Once they're done, the team will be testing out menu options by culinary director Allison Hugunin, who worked as a chef for the extravagant mini-golf bar The Dirdie Birdie.

Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis are co-founders, drawing largely on du Plessis' sports background. Growing up in South Africa, she played field hockey, rugby, ran, cycled, and has competed in half-marathons and triathlons. In Austin, she has also worked as a high school campus director.

1972 ATX Women's Sports Pub patio founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis Marlene du Plessis (left) and Debra Hallum (right) signing the papers to acquire the space.Photo courtesy of 1972

The name 1972 is fitting because this pub will be near the University of Texas campus, and pledges to welcome all sports fans: women, men, LGBTQ+ community members, and allies. It's keeping "ATX Women's Sports Pub" as a tagline to clarify the numbers.

“We’re building more than a pub — we’re creating a space where every fan can feel seen, celebrated, and part of the action,” said cofounder Marlene du Plessis in a press release. “From die-hard sports lovers to casual spectators, 1972 is here for you.”

Title IX was not only about sports, but many of its most important impacts have been in athletics. Put simply, the law prohibits sex discrimination in general and has since been applied to sports in many more specific ways. The legislation was thrust back into headlines in the beginning of this month — just days after the 1972 bar team signed sale papers — as President Donald Trump's administration announced it would revert its Title IX enforcement to rules created in his first term, in 2020.

Much like the legislation, this concept has a lot to do with sports, but athletics isn't the only sphere it operates in; du Plessis is inspired by how sports can build confidence and leadership. Most important to the duo is how sports can bring people together despite differences in background, race, sexual orientation, or religion.

1972 ATX Women's Sports Pub patio founders Debra Hallum and Marlene du Plessis The cofounders in their new space.Photo courtesy of 1972

“At 1972, we’re not just building a pub — we’re building a movement," said Hallum in the release. "This is a space where women’s sports take center stage, and every fan, regardless of gender or identity, feels at home. Our goal is to celebrate the achievements of women athletes and foster a community where inclusion, equity, and the love of the game thrive.”

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