Matt is the Founder, Co-Owner and General Manager of The Stretch Effect. Originally from Dunn, NC, Matt has called Charleston home for 5 years. His passion for stretching dates back to college where he played baseball for the University of South Carolina - Aiken. After college, Matt's sports career would continue as he would go on to play multiple seasons in Professional Arena Football. During his time in sports, Matt realized the importance of stretching and taking care of his body. He credits stretching for never sustaining a major injury during his playing days. He has a deep passion for helping clients reach their maximum potential and reaching all of their goals. Matt has held a certification in Personal Training through the American Council on Exercise and also has held a Flexibility Specialist certification through the International Fitness Professionals Association. In addition to this, Matt has gathered years of experience in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness field. Matt's goal is to apply his knowledge to the best of his ability to change someones life. That change of life is what keeps Matt motivated each and everyday!
Nick is the Founder, Co-Owner, Manager, and Lead Stretch Specialist of The Stretch Effect. Nick earned his bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sport Science from Coastal Carolina University. He holds his Exercise Physiologist Certification through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-EP). Through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), he holds his Stretching and Flexibility Coach Certification (SFC) and Corrective Exercise Specialist Specialization (CES). He has also obtained a Flexibility Specialist certification through the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA) and is certified through the American Red Cross in CPR. He was born near Canton, OH, but raised right here in Charleston, SC. Nick grew up loving and playing many sports! Back in his glory days, Nick was a county winning, all-region, state qualifying sprinter, and state qualifying weightlifter. As a football player, he was fortunate enough to be selected to play in the North South all-star football game his senior year. He had a short stint playing football in college as well. He has gained work and practical experience in both cardiac rehabilitation and physical therapy settings. He recognized early on in his fitness career how often stretching is overlooked and because of that, he has made it a point to spread as much stretching education and awareness as he can! As a Fitness Professional, Nick has gathered years of hands-on aided stretching experience and has enjoyed every second of it.
Micheal went to UNC Wilmington and graduated with a bachelors of Exercise Science with a concentration in allied health. He has over a decade of experience in weightlifting. Putting his education to use in a practical application in the gym has yielded results for both himself as well as those he's coached. He grew up playing lacrosse, surfing, and skateboarding. It wasn’t until he began training to be an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard that he started searching for ways to push human performance. He subsequently served 3 seasons as an Ocean Rescue lifeguard where he became certified in basic life support, CPR, as well as becoming certified in Wilderness Search and Rescue through the local fire department. Shortly after receiving his bachelors he made the decision to serve his country by becoming an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Unfortunately his journey was cut short due to sustaining injuries during training. Once back in Charleston, SC, he began searching for opportunities to use his education for a career in the health field. On top of his clinical experience shadowing in orthopedic, vascular surgery, and emergency room settings, he spent some months as a physical therapist aide at Axis hand and Physical Therapy. Shortly after, he found The Stretch Effect and is eager for what the future holds for both himself and his teammates.