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Liformers are a bunch of dedicated, joyful go-getters who inspire us daily with their creativity, honesty, and love of yoga. Our ‘Meet the Liformer’ series gives you the chance to get to know them a little better, find out how they practice, and catch their enthusiasm.
Sam Gach is a certified stretching & flexibility coach, personal trainer, and yoga instructor dedicated to making the world a calmer, stronger, more flexible place. He started his own fitness business in 2020 and developed a following on social media for his combination of impressive and eye-catching physical feats paired with his sense of humor and very approachable teaching style. In 2021, he launched the Stretch app, which has become one of the top apps to help people with stretching and flexibility. His mission is to make a positive impact and help people bring more wellness to their lives - both inside and out.
Where are you from/where do you live?
I’m originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently live in New York City.
How did yoga and mobility come into your life?
I actually first tried yoga as a kid with my mom. She’s been doing yoga a long time and still practices now. I remember being really sore from it after! I started practicing regularly in college after going to a hot yoga class with a friend. Over time my practice has evolved so much and I’ve incorporated other areas of fitness more significantly.
When did you realize you were hooked on yoga?
I pretty much was immediately hooked after I took a class in college. I had done some kind of deal like unlimited classes for 10 days or something like that, and I’m pretty sure I went almost every day from the beginning. I loved it. I had never felt anything like it.
What does your practice look like now?
I’m very active and do some kind of workout almost every day. Over time I got a lot more interested in other areas of fitness outside of yoga, especially strength training with weights. I’ve taken things I’ve learned from various disciplines and have evolved what I do consistently over time. Currently, my routine primarily focuses on strength training, stretching and mobility, and lighter cardio. I love going on walks, mostly because it is the best way to clear my head, but it’s of course great for the body as well.
Why do you work out?
Since I started doing yoga in college, my workout routine has changed so many times. But the entire time, no matter what my routine has looked like, the top reason has always been for my mind. Every form of exercise I’ve done has had its own impact, but my mental well-being is really always my top priority. I run my life these days based on what I think is best for my mind. And often that means physical things. But I’ve gotten to be more and more in touch with myself over time, and that’s allowed me to continually evolve what I do based on what is best for me at the time.
Why do you teach?
To help make other people’s lives better. Plain and simple. Obviously, we have to fill our own cups first, so to speak, but I feel like I was put on this earth to make an impact and that’s what I strive to do. I never thought I’d teach this stuff, but I fell in love with it, and my mission is to help as many people I can in the most genuine way possible.
Do you prefer teaching in-person or online?
Both have their benefits and challenges. In person I love the real-life connections you can make and community you can foster. Online allows you to reach so many more people that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to meet. I love getting to help people all over the world.
What made you create the Stretch app?
I actually got the idea for Stretch in the middle of the night. I woke up in the night with this idea in my head. I couldn’t go back to sleep. It was a very vague idea, the only specifics being the name Stretch and that it would help people stretch. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I made it happen.
Stretch has become one of the top apps for stretching in the world – what’s it being the owner of something like that?
Honestly, it’s crazy every time I think about it. I created the app because there really wasn’t anything like it out there and I felt the world needed it. For it to be successful shows me that was true. But it comes with a responsibility as well, because I’ve realized I have the ability to have the impact I wanted to have. So now I have to make real life choices on an ongoing basis to make sure I am helping people as best I can. It’s honestly really wonderful.
What program on the Stretch app are you most excited about right now?
It’s hard to pick because I’m releasing new content every week, so there are so many to choose from! But I’m going to say my new splits program. I now have five different splits programs on the app and I’m really excited about the latest one. A lot of people love the splits programs and I’m excited for people to try this one.
What’s in your smoothie?
I am one to change up my smoothies regularly, but the staples are frozen fruit, protein powder, and almond milk. Never gets old.
You’ve decided to cash in your frequent flier miles. Where are you heading?
I’m either going to see my family in Michigan, or I’m off to Europe. There are a bunch of places in Europe at the top of my list.
At the airport, you realize you’ve forgotten the most crucial thing. What is it?
Gonna have to go with my ID because that’s probably most crucial at the airport… but it would never happen. I am way too organized, haha.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
So many things. I remember wanting to be a chef, a firefighter, an architect. Those obviously didn’t pan out!
What’s your favourite Liforme Mat? Why?
Love my classic gray mat. I never get tired of it, and it goes with everything!
Ask yourself one question.
Where will you be in 10 years?
Now answer it.
I have no idea. :)
Get 40% off The Stretch Appwith code LIFORME at checkout.
