Black Entrepreneur Invests $75K To Launch Online Stretching Portal For Diverse Audience

New online portal provides multiple all-body stretch and curated exercises among its offerings

The stretching business has been growing like mushrooms in the last decade.

Now, an Afro-Caribbean entrepreneur is launching an online portal on physical exercise, which he proclaims differs from others. Named Stretchergy.com, owner Ramon Felix says his enterprise provides multiple all-body stretch exercises and a user-friendly platform catering to a diverse audience.

Further, he stressed that the “revolutionary” platform is affordable for subscribers at $15 monthly. Felix declares the cost is much lower than traditional stretching locations because they typically have to cover operating expenses, including providing trainers and staff.

“No other platform offers curated exercises that consumers—young and old, fit or frail—can use anytime, anywhere and also perform with personalized playlists,” Felix stated via email.

Equipped with 25 years of experience in the wellness industry, Felix says he invested $75,000 from personal savings and investment from his wife to start up early this summer.

But he is facing a highly competitive landscape. Other businesses, including StretchLab and Stretch Zone, have each opened over 300 franchise locations, according to this report. Also, gym and fitness outlets like Gym Guys, Life Time, and Planet Fitness reportedly supply assisted stretching among their offerings.

Felix says his business sets itself apart from brick-and-mortar competitors by providing online solutions that enhance flexibility and wellness.

Further, he hopes to prosper from a growing number of people who have jumped on the self-care and wellness bandwagon, supposedly fueled partly by the COVID-19 pandemic and greater interest in weightlifting. The global fitness app market was worth $9.25 billion in 2023 and is estimated to have an annual compounded growth rate of around 14% from 2024 to 2030.

Felix pointed out that many people turned online during the pandemic for their fitness needs and saw a void in the marketplace. A certified personal trainer, Feliz says he noticed people in the gym not focused on stretching/flexibility, creating the need for him to make it available to the masses.

Another challenge Felix might have to overcome is proving critics wrong who question the advantages of stretching. Some doctors have publicly stated that exercise is not a cure-all for stopping injuries and enhancing a person’s health entirely. They contend that physical activity like walking, strengthening, and cardio exercise can bring more benefits than just stretching.

Felix responded, “Stretching should not be done in isolation but integrated into your overall fitness regimen.”