As I’ve been using Bend daily over the past few months, I’ve noticed a noticeable difference in how my body feels. I feel less pain, my body feels more flexible, and I’m more aware of my posture even when I’m not actively stretching.
But it’s not just physical health that has improved. You may also notice changes in your mood throughout the day. Stretching has become a form of self-care that helps me reset, relax, and feel more grounded. It’s not just a placebo effect either.
Stretching plays an important role in calming the nervous system and is a natural mood booster, so I like to start my mornings with one of my Bend routines. “It helps release hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase mental clarity,” says McDowell. Incorporating stretching into your daily self-care routine will increase your productivity and improve your ability to cope with stress.
However, it is not without limitations. The catalog of bend stretches is vast, but it’s also finite. “In the future, people are likely to want more diversity and more challenges,” says Seth Berkman, senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He added: [looking to begin stretching] If possible, consult your doctor before starting any routine activities. You can also ask your doctor for stretching recommendations that suit your needs and learn about proper form to prevent injury. Seth also points out that you can find lots of helpful stretches and exercises for free on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Bend’s pricing and subscription model is a bit confusing. Availability of a free trial appears to depend on where you click from. Some staff members were offered free trials, while others were not. Prices also become inconsistent once you’re ready to pay for a full year.
When we contacted Bend, a representative confirmed that the annual subscription price is $40, but the company frequently runs promotions that bring the price down to $24 per year. Monthly subscriptions also vary, ranging in price from $5 to $15 per month, depending on whether any promotions are running. After the free trial ended, I was hesitant when I saw the $40 annual fee, so I decided not to subscribe. But a few minutes later, I got a notification that my annual fee had suddenly increased to $24, and I jumped at it.
We don’t know when the $24 promotion will go live, but if you only see the higher price at checkout, it’s worth exiting the app and seeing if Bend is offering a lower price. I can suggest that it might be.
For me, the Bend app has helped me create consistent habits that have made me feel so much better. It’s like having a personal stretch coach in your pocket, easily accessible wherever you are. I primarily stretch at home, but it’s also a great companion to the gym and great to use while on vacation.
This year, daily stretching is back on my resolution list. But this time, I know I’ll stick with it. Because I already do.
This article was edited by Hannah Lim, Katie Okamoto and Maxine Bilder.
