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The Story of Stretchology: Inspiring Flexibility in Sherman Oaks

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Saribekian.

Diana Saribekian

Hi Diana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

After finishing my career in rhythmic gymnastics, I transitioned to coaching and quickly noticed a recurring issue: many professional gymnasts and dancers struggled with flexibility. This limitation often held them back from reaching their full potential and truly shining in their performances.

Recognizing this gap inspired me to create Stretchology—a program dedicated to helping women of all ages improve their flexibility, no matter their age or level of experience. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible individuals, including Andrea Bocelli’s daughter, Mila from the Anazala Family, and many more.

It’s been exactly a year since Stretchology came to life, and the journey has been deeply rewarding. My amazing students motivate me every day to continue my mission: helping people feel more confident and connected to their bodies through flexibility.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I truly believe that challenges make us stronger and help us reach our goals.

When I first launched Stretchology, I wasn’t sure if it would attract new people beyond the students I was already training. In the beginning, there were moments when my group classes had only one or two participants. But I kept teaching, because consistency and perseverance were important to me. I knew I had to keep going, even during those quieter times.

After 2-3 months, I noticed a growing interest from models, professional dancers, and individuals who simply wanted to improve their flexibility. It became clear that there was a real demand for stretching sessions tailored to the whole body, which inspired me even more to continue and refine what I was offering.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Diana, and I’m a professional rhythmic gymnast with over eight years of competitive experience. After completing my gymnastics career, I earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and became certified by NASM as a stretching and flexibility instructor.

Stretchology is a stretching company focused on making kids and adults more flexible. I launched Stretchology a year ago, and in that time, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and training incredible individuals, including some truly unique, kind, and notable people.

Stretchology offers group classes, private one-on-one in-studio and in-home classes, and works with schools to help kids and adults become more flexible.

Many people assume stretching classes are similar to yoga, and while that might be true for other programs, my classes are entirely different. In each one-hour session, we give our absolute best. My classes include a warm-up, full-body stretching, and conditioning exercises, and they’re far from calm. With a mix of dynamic and static stretches and an energizing playlist, my students stay active and motivated throughout the entire class.

What I’m most proud of is creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced, my goal is to make everyone feel welcome and free from judgment. I truly believe that positive energy can transform how people approach their goals, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see my students thrive in this atmosphere.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice would be to give your best to each client or student, ensuring that both you and they are satisfied with the experience. Whether it’s a notable person or someone new, my teaching and personal strategies remain consistent. When you put in the effort to truly support and help your clients, it creates a strong bond, and they’ll want to continue working with you.

Through hard work and a bit of luck, I’ve had the opportunity to meet amazing people who have kept me motivated to stay true to my goals. Many of my students, including professional dancers struggling with flexibility or kids and adults in need of flexibility, have come through recommendations. Even after a year, they still continue to come back. I have one student who drives an hour and a half just for my stretching classes, which is a true testament to dedication and passion. That kind of commitment from my students keeps me inspired and reminds me to never stop pursuing what I set out to do.

After 6 months of starting my business, I began making Stretchology a brand too. I ordered custom t-shirts, sweatshirts, and tote bags, which my students would wear. Recently, I launched my stretching online routine, which everyone can purchase and practice at home or anywhere they want, at any time.

Social media has also played a huge role in the growth of my business. Instagram and Google are the platforms where most of my students found me. Posting my students’ progress and sharing my personal gymnastics stretches has helped me reach new audiences, furthering the connections I make both locally and online. Stretchology has also collaborated with a local coffee shop and other places, which has brought more attention to the business.

Also, Stretchology has launched an online stretching program, making flexibility training accessible to everyone, regardless of location or schedule constraints. This program is designed for individuals who are unable to attend in-person classes or live in different parts of the world. It offers a convenient way to practice stretching anytime, anywhere. You can check the online stretching routine at Stretchologyla.com.

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