Stretch Pilates and Fitness
Stretch - Pilates and Fitness Training
About Us
Stretch represents an experienced group of professionals: personal trainers, certified Pilates instructors, reflexology specialists and massage therapists. Our team’s energy and commitment makes us one of the most solid facilities in the Western New York (WNY) area. We now offer group classes pilates classes as well as personal training.
We have built an unusual culture here at Stretch. Our clients can tell you how very personable Stretch is. Give us a call to schedule a free half-hour introductory session.
Call 716-626-7484.
How it all Began
In the wee hours of the morning, when most people are just stepping into the shower or climbing out of bed, Larissa Mychaskiw found herself at her workplace with a locked door and a line of clients waiting. She soon came to discover her boss, the business owner of 7 years, has flown the coop.
What’s a poor girl to do? Take over the business of course! At 25 years young, Larissa Mychaskiw did just that in 1998 and has never looked back. Larissa is proud owner and chief cheerleader of Stretch (formerly Fitness Village), on Main Street in Williamsville, NY, and is celebrating her 14th year in business.
The Stretch Family
John Sanders
John’s journey with physical fitness came from the love of the game of football. John learned at an early age that he needed to stay fit in order to play football. He achieved his goals with the help of his mentor DeMeris John, a former NFL Football player.
John’s first major accomplishment was to receive a walk-on player scholarship at the University of Buffalo, playing for the UB Bulls.
Through the Thurman Thomas Training camp, Nohn developed a desire to specialize in speed, strength, and agility training for children and adults.
“I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.” Vince Lombardi
Giavana de Zitter
Giavana (Freitas) de Zitter is originally from Buffalo, New York where she grew up dancing at David de Marie and American Academy of Ballet. She later graduated from Point Park University in Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance and a Bachelor of Science degree in Arts and Entertainment Management. At University Giavana began studying Pilates with a Private instructor to compliment her dance training.
After graduation, Giavana danced professionally with Royal Caribbean International Cruise lines, traveling the world for two years. In between contracts, she was certified to teach Pilates with Body One studios Inc. and started studying and training Barre Fitness methods.
Moving back toBuffalo, Giavana began one-on-one training in Pilates at Stretch Pilates and Functional Fitness, and decided to combine her passion for dance and business background into a studio named Barre Centric. Today, Giavana is happy to share her education and experience in fitness and dance at both Stretch Pilates and Barre Centric with such wonderful people.
Kimmi Ott
Kimmi is a Graduate student of SUNY Cortland with her Bachelors of Science and Education in Physical and Health education.
Kimmi is a STOTT Pilates Certified Instructor and has been teaching Pilates for over 10 years. She has completed her full STOTT Pilates Level 1-Essential/Intermediate and Level 2-Advanced training requirements on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels, and has taken the Injuries and Special Populations course. She is currently working towards obtaining her full certification. In addition to her intensive studies with STOTT, she continually participates in workshops and audits courses to enhance her teaching skills and broaden her repertoire.
She is a dedicated yoga student and practitioner. She enjoys working with the body’s energy and is currently a student in the 200 hour Prana Flow yoga teacher training program with Shiva Rea. She has recently completed her contact hour requirements and will be continuing on to her 500 hours in the future.
Her passion is assessing what each body needs and developing a customized workout focusing on alignment, muscular and postural imbalances, and mindbody integration. She looks forward to bringing you a unique and individualized workout every session and reevaluating as needed.
Rachel Miller
Rachel holds certifications in STOTT Pilates matwork and personal training in addition to her 16 years experience in pediatric physical therapy. She is a certified nutrition counselor and is studying at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition to become a certified holistic health coach. Rachel is the owner of Kids n Balance, a fitness & nutrition company.
For 14 years, she was a synchronized swim team coach for the Town of Tonawanda Aquettes. She previously was an instructor for Bodyshaping by Sandy.
Rachel became interested in the importance of health, nutrition and physical activity during and after losing over 100 pounds herself and keeping the weight off for over 10 years. Her goals are to educate others on making lifestyle changes, improving energy levels and feeling great about themselves.
Ruben Brown
Larissa Mychaskiw, Owner