Meet the Owner: Rui from Stretch Health Canada – Stretch Therapy and Wellness in West 5
Imagine a place where your wellness journey is supported by friendly professionals who are dedicated to stretching your potential both physically and mentally. Nestled in the vibrant West 5 community, Stretch Health Canada is that place, offering a unique approach to health and well-being. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the visionary behind this innovative clinic for stretch therapy, Rui Saraiva. Get ready to dive into Rui’s inspiring journey, uncover his motivations, and learn the unique story of how Stretch Health Canada came to be.
What is Stretch Health Canada?
Stretch Health Canada is a stretch therapy and wellness clinic dedicated to improving clients’ flexibility, mobility, and overall well-being through professional stretch therapy. Unlike traditional massage therapy or physiotherapy, stretch therapy focuses on elongating muscles, improving joint mobility, and enhancing overall physical performance. With a team of certified professionals, Stretch Health Canada offers personalized sessions to help individuals achieve their health and fitness goals, prevent injuries, and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Rui, can you tell us a bit about your journey before starting Stretch Health Canada?
My journey began when I joined the military in 2007 at the age of 20. Having been a troubled teen, I knew I needed a positive change in my life. The military taught me to push myself both physically and mentally, instilling in me a desire to help others. This led me to pursue firefighting, and in 2010, I completed a program at Humber College. During this time, I developed a passion for weightlifting, fitness, stretching, and mobility. This passion eventually guided me back to school to study massage therapy, eventually receiving my designation as an RMT.
What inspired you to get into the health and wellness industry?
The initial spark ignited when I began lifting weights at 19, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I truly discovered the world of stretching and mobility after completing my first stretch therapy certification. By then, I had already been working in the fitness industry as a personal trainer for several years, and it had become a full-time passion. While helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals was immensely fulfilling, the overwhelmingly positive feedback I received from those who experienced stretch therapy was especially motivating. This encouragement inspired me to continue pursuing and perfecting my craft.
Was there a pivotal moment that made you decide to start your own business?
The pivotal moment came when colleagues started talking about ‘stretch clinics,’ sparking my curiosity. Intrigued, I began researching and discovered established companies in the United States with hundreds of stretch clinics nationwide. Surprisingly, this concept was virtually unheard of in Canada, signaling a significant potential opportunity. Determined to explore further, I visited a nearby stretch clinic in Michigan, gathering insights on how to replicate this business model north of the border. This was when I decided it was time to take a leap of faith and start building a team around me.
Can you share a story about a client who has had a significant impact on you or your business?
It’s difficult to pinpoint just one experience, given the countless positive interactions I’ve had with clients from diverse backgrounds. Each story had its own impact, but it was the collective success and feedback from so many clients that truly motivated me to keep pushing forward.
What do you enjoy most about working with your clients?
I love hearing everyone’s stories—where they grew up, their career journeys, their families, and all the unique details that make them who they are. Learning about their lives is what makes working with clients so enjoyable. Unfortunately, running my company has increasingly limited my time to work with clients one-on-one, which I truly miss.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business in the health and wellness industry?
One of the best pieces of business advice I’ve ever received is that it’s crucial to either be first or be different. I believe Stretch Health has managed to achieve both. For anyone looking to start a business in health and wellness, or any industry, I highly recommend reading ‘The E-Myth.’ This book was a game-changer for me. It quickly made me realize that the skillset required to run a successful business is entirely different from the skillset needed to provide the service within that business. Understanding the difference between being a technician and being an operator helped me identify where to invest my time to grow and scale my company effectively.
Rui’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the willingness to explore new opportunities. Stretch Health Canada not only embodies his dedication to health and wellness but also his innovative spirit. Next time you’re in the Helio building, be sure to visit Stretch Health Canada and experience the benefits of stretch therapy firsthand.
Check out the full list of West 5 shops and services in the West 5 Business Directory
