Inspiring Conversations with Aly Faber of The Stretch Lady

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aly Faber.

Hi Aly, It’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us. To start, could you share some of your backstory with our readers?
After graduating from Florida State University, I started in the corporate world as a recruiter for high-tech companies. I was good at it, but the work could have been more fulfilling beyond the financial rewards. Even though I improved many lives by getting people better jobs, I longed for a more direct connection to people and their life challenges. I was becoming a certified Group Exercise Instructor at 17 led to my love of working in the gym and wellness arena. Later, I became a devoted Yogi who adheres to the Yogic lifestyle and philosophy. When my corporate job dissolved in 2003 (I believe I manifested that), I knew I wanted to teach. I went on to become a Certified Yoga Instructor and led yoga classes all over the city for the Crown Athletic Club and several yoga and fitness studios and gyms. People loved my hands-on approach and asked me to do private sessions. I also became a Personal Trainer and privately trained clients in fitness and yoga.

A fellow yoga instructor introduced me to one of the Charlotte Hornets star players who wanted private sessions. Over the years, this led to working with dozens of professional athletes, many in professional basketball. I sought all the training I could find in specialty populations taught by athletic trainers, Yogis, and physical therapists. I thrived in the athletic arena, working primarily with professional athletes. The players asked me to prepare for their Summer Camps for Kids, so I studied developmental disorders and how kids grow. This is where the magic happened. I adored teaching youth how stretching could prolong athletic endeavors, keep injury-free, and help them reach their potential. Coaches, schools, and teams from all over the city asked me to work with them, and student athletes’ parents wanted me to be their kids’ private stretch coach. I connected to Physical Therapists, Doctors, and Athletic Trainers who recommended me to their patients, clients, and teams.

All of this organically grew into what is now THE STRETCH LADY, which is the nickname that Garrett Shrader – an incredible football athlete from Charlotte Christian who became the starting quarterback for Syracuse and his teammates – coined. I got calls from parents, kids, and adults who didn’t know my name, only the moniker. As my reputation grew, I knew I needed to grow too. That’s where massage school came into play. It was tough to keep up a full-time business and attend school, but it was well worth it! Now, I creatively and uniquely mix stretching and massage to create a beautiful fusion that benefits my clients and helps them to be their personal best.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was surprised to find out what assisted stretch was when I started. Explaining that I was doing yoga for them took a lot of work. I suffered criticism from the community as no one understood why and how I could work with pro athletes not being one or playing college sports myself. Even my own family and friends questioned my abilities. I prevailed. My passion, knowledge, resilience, perspective, and desire to learn kept me afloat. I did my Yoga Teacher Training in Raleigh, and my teacher was harder on me than anyone else. She saw in me the potential to go far and be more. I am grateful for the challenges, which made me even more vital.

Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your business.
Aly Faber specializes in Customized Mobility Techniques, including Assisted and Passive Stretching, Structural Bodywork and Massage, Relaxation Techniques through Yoga-Based Movement, Breathwork, and Life Coaching for performance enhancement. She has a BS in Communications from Florida State University. Her certifications include LMBT, CBP, CMP, E-RYT, and YACEP. Rest assured—these are much more than conglomerations of acronyms! Each represents a unique certification that allows Aly to bring pain relief and mastery of your body into your life.

Her massage methods include various cupping techniques, IASTM (scraping), percussive massage gun usage, deep tissue, and multiple massage modalities tailored to your needs each session. Her mobility specialties include assisted, passive, athletic, therapeutic, yoga, and Thai stretching. Sessions may consist of hot towels, hot stones, and kinesiology taping. All are included in all sessions; there is no additional charge for these modalities or services. The Stretch Lady also has a virtual online coaching program for all skill levels, designed to maximize performance in minimum time. Demonstrated by current student-athletes, the format makes it easy and fun to stretch your way toward better overall athletic ability, mobility, injury prevention, recovery, and maximum regeneration. This program is for anybody wanting to get better at life and sport.

Later this year, Aly will expand her offerings to teaching CEUs to Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Personal Trainers. She will teach her Stretch Lady Method of integrating safe and practical assessments and stretching into their existing practices.

@thestretchlady on Instagram & Facebook
Thestretchlady.com

What were you like growing up?
I was outgoing and friendly. My Dad said I was a joy to be around. I was born with a genetic defect at birth, which caused me to have a bulb on my nose that looked like a clown. It made people turn away from me, so the only way I knew how to counterbalance that was to be kind and friendly and talk with them first so that they could see beyond my nose. I loved being right; I was often called “bossy,” which has turned out to be a huge asset working with pro athletes and C-level executives. I loved being outside, in the grass with bare feet, and getting dirty.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thestretchlady.com
• Instagram: @thestretchlady
• Facebook: @thestretchlady
• Linkedin: Aly Faber
• Youtube: The Stretch Lady