A new wellness destination is preparing to make its mark in downtown Bethesda. The Stretch Loft, founded by Gaithersburg High School alum Ben “The Baptist” Atanga, is opening soon at 4853 Cordell Avenue on the penthouse level, promising a space that blends holistic healing, bodywork, and culture in a way unlike anything else in the area.
Atanga announced the project with a statement that quickly gained traction online:“Bethesda… get ready to breathe different. The Stretch Loft is bringing Black luxury, ancient bodywork, and healing energy straight to the penthouse. This isn’t just a stretch studio — it’s a sanctuary for your nervous system. A vibe. A movement. A release.”
The new studio positions itself as more than just a wellness center. “We’re here to free bodies, restore balance, and bring culture, rhythm, and presence back to wellness,” the announcement continues. “We’re not coming to Bethesda… we’re rising in Bethesda.”
Atanga’s path to wellness entrepreneurship began in 2011 after a training injury left him with chronic pain. Traditional treatments offered little relief until a single session with a stretch therapy specialist reduced his pain by 90 percent, an experience that changed his life’s direction. Motivated to share those same benefits, he pursued specialized training and began helping others experience the restorative effects of stretch therapy.
Since then, Atanga has trained more than 350 practitioners and opened six studios focused on body alignment and recovery. His company has surpassed $1 million in revenue and continues to expand through The Stretch Loft Academy, which provides certification and education for future stretch practitioners both in-person and online.
The Bethesda location will be the latest expression of Atanga’s mission to “free bodies and restore balance,” while also celebrating culture and community. A grand opening date has not yet been announced, but The Stretch Loft encourages locals to “join the movement” as it prepares to bring its unique brand of healing to Montgomery County.
