StretchShops By The Muscle Mechanic

02/04/2026

PSL Strongman – St. Louis
January 31, 2026

Congratulations to Josh & Derek.

Josh Long took 3rd place in a tough field against two world-class competitors. We arrived the day before and got pre-comp work in for both Josh and Derek, who also took 3rd, focusing on light systems checks, flushing, and .

After the deadlift event, Josh needed some targeted glute work. He went on to hit multiple PRs during the competition and gained clear insight into what needs to be developed to reach the next level.

I asked him if it felt like being a yellow belt stepping in with black belts. He said that’s exactly how it felt, but he didn’t shrink. He competed hard, left it all on the floor, and finished 3rd, just behind two more experienced athletes.

Strong showing for Team .
Momentum moving forward.

02/02/2026

Important updates! If you like procrastination this isn’t one of those times! Get your massages booked ASAP to lock your spot(s) in!

Book at StretchShops.com

02/02/2026

Working on a recap of this weekends trip to PSL St. Louis. There’s a lot to go through, thanks for your patience as I prepare.

Find out how Josh did at his comp and
whose going to comp next!

01/31/2026

2 events down. The log lift and the deadlift.
3 more events left to go.

Let’s go Josh & Derek!

01/31/2026

It’s comp day.
Team StretchShops is locked in.

Last-minute tune-ups on Josh and Derek last night - bodies prepped, minds steady, systems ready.

Now it’s time to hit the road and let the work speak.

Stay tuned. It’s about to get wild.

01/28/2026

Welcome to The StretchShops Cert program. The 3 pillars are:





Here you see Cadence working them elbows on his client. At StretchShops, we don’t believe in grades but if we did what grade do you think he’s getting here 🫣

Wanna see more from Cadence? Let’s get you on the table for a crafted massage tailored for YOU!

01/27/2026

Let’s give a warm welcome to Dustin McPhail of Ashland Chiropractic & Acupuncture to the StretchShops family.

We’ll be in Ashland for an entire weekend (which I’m told sold out in less than 24 hours) 🤯

Really looking forward to this one. It’s going to be awesome bringing high-level massage and bodywork to some of the often-forgotten small towns of Kansas.
And don’t worry y’all… we don’t mind traveling to you for a change.

Get a hold of me and let’s talk. Just like the good Dr. Dustin did!

01/27/2026

Top 3 people who have changed or inspired me that have left this earth.

3. Kobe Bryant (the fearless pursuit)
2. Bruce Lee (the wise warrior)
1. Helen Brand (the endless love of a grandmother)

Today my eyes water so easy. I awoke with a swelling of pride due to accomplishment. I set out to be a person. A person that looks in mirror again with affection, understanding, and pride. That person has arrived.

I suffered depression (still fight it). Addiction, which is always at odds with my progress. Inferiority complexities. Severe imposter syndrome. Fear of sustaining success and the list continues.

Those “destroyer feelings” aren’t dead & gone just resting.

Last night I ended a series of massages on Josh, geared to give him everything I could to get him to that next level. Only 2 people on earth know the depths and gravity of that statement. As well it should be.

In this moment I am full of pride in accomplishment. All my years of massage were poured into an 8 week series of absolutely grueling hours of table work. Pain in every joint from the shoulders to my finger tips. His pain pushing through. Both of us chasing different victories for different reasons but…

We didn’t quit. Didn’t back down. We aspired. We prepared. We fought like hell. We became better through the education of what it means to persevere through the pain. Literally.

My admiration for Josh is not too public, although I’m sure y’all picked that up by now.

He’s methodical in his pursuits. And I mean that to be one of my highest compliments. He decided what must be done. He’s still doing the necessary things to achieve his goals. The grates possess this same determination. . .

Moral of the story: the people who have left this earth are great to pick as heros. But… it’s better to have living ones you get to watch conquer and chase their goals down with relentless effort.

In summation, everything we want is on the other side of fear.

Let go of the outcome and trust that you did enough to prepare for the battle ahead!

I love each and every one of you. You all deserve what you’re prepared fight for. Fight for what serves you.

Stay tuned. We’re headed to St. Louis for comp!


Thanks for reading this
Ernie TMM
https://youtu.be/JMmleqaSzBs?si=HfuaFqwI-cx9N3aK he

Fear of Failure. - Motivational Kobe Bryant Speech | Motivational video 2024Welcome to a journey through the legendary mindset of one of the greatest athlete...

01/27/2026

“ massage” gets a lot of hype.
Here’s the truth: every massage affects the lymphatic system.

If you’re relying on massage alone to “fix” your body, you’re missing the point.
Lymph moves best with , contractions, , and —not just laying still on a table.

Massage is a tool.
Massage is a two-person sport. 👈

Watch the video and tell me 👇
What have you noticed works best for your body?

01/26/2026

Tonight at 7 the answers to your questions shall be answered… More or less 🫡😂

See you guys tonight for a by

01/25/2026

Extreme Strongman competitor gets walked on. Sorry not sorry 🤷‍♂️

Let’s take a “walk” with a very extreme athlete.
Yes. is highly extreme! Body intensive, demanding, rewarding.

💪Better hope your massage is up to task with your lifestyle.
We talk injuries, tools and comp prep! Let’s go.

Recovery needs met at
Also injury prevention and muscle flushing. We got you!