Free 45-Minute Session At New Smyrna Kika Stretch Studio

SMYRNA, GA — A new stretch studio in Smyrna strives to leave clients feeling not only looser, but also inspired says co-owner David Southers. He and his wife Virginia Lazala recently moved to the Atlanta suburb from New Jersey to embark on their entrepreneurial vision. They decided to open Kika Stretch Studios - Vinings, a national franchise that was started by dancer and actress Hakika DuBose.

“I want them to understand that their potential and their ability is limitless, but it all starts with how you feel,” said Southers. “If you feel good, the world is there for you to take it.”

When people walk into the new Atlanta location, located at 1675 Cumberland Pkwy, they’re warmly greeted by their coach and led back into a private room with a floor covered in mats and a stability ball. Throughout the session they work on relieving tension in every part of their body, with special guidance and assistance from the coach. Lazala, who first experienced the unique stretch method in New Jersey with Southers said it’s not something people can adequately do on their own.

“You don't realize how you're short changing yourself by not engaging in an extended session of stretching,” said Lazala. “What we offer, you can't do to yourself, you need someone to coach you through it.”

Kika started in New Jersey and has since expanded to other cities, with now 13 locations, and growing. According to the website, DuBose blended her professional dance training with her knowledge as a personal trainer to create this personalized stretch method now coined The KIKA Method® .

It isn’t meant to be an alternative to other self-care or therapeutic experiences, said Southers.

“It’s just different,” he said. “If you’re doing yoga, you’re holding your poses so your muscles are tense. In stretching you have to be relaxed. They’re just different ways to feel better.”

Their new Kika studio isn’t unique to Atlanta — there’s one in Midtown already — but their service is vastly different from the other stretch companies, they said. Southers, who has visited the other two, said they have open rooms and use tables. Kika uses a private room and all of the stretches are done on a floor mat. That’s the difference.

For Southers, transitioning into this field felt natural. With a 21-year background in social services, he said this was another way he could fulfill his mission of helping people without feeling overwhelmed.

“This is something that lets me touch people in a different capacity,” he said.

His wife said she wants people to walk out of that first stretch session feeling how she did on her first day.

“It was a general sense of betterment,” said Lazala. “I've never been flexible and when I first started, I couldn't touch my toes. After stretching regularly, I could put my hands on the ground. I saw the change.”

The goal is to eventually open a second location and work on outreach. Southers said he especially wants to bring the sessions into retirement homes and nursing homes.

Their five coaches, including a daughter, are trained to work with people of all ages and physical limitations. People can book their first 45-minute Kika session for free. There are no monthly membership fees and they offer flexible package options, or you can pay as you go.

Southers said business has been going well and customers have been returning since opening in November.

“It’s not about having more flexibility, it’s just about removing tension,” he said. “When you relieve tension, you can then reach for your other goals.”

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