Brad Walker, also known as “The Stretch Coach,” is an internationally recognized authority on stretching, flexibility, and sports injury management. With over three decades of hands-on experience, Brad has dedicated his career to enhancing athletic performance, preventing injuries, and optimizing recovery for individuals and teams worldwide. His educational foundation in Health Science, combined with advanced accreditations in athletics, swimming, and triathlon coaching, has positioned him as a leader in the health and fitness industry. Brad’s expertise is sought by elite athletes and world champions in diverse sports, including triathlon, motorcycle racing, roller skating, squash, and baseball.
In 1995, Brad founded The Stretching Institute, a dedicated resource for those interested in flexibility training and injury prevention. Through this platform, he has published 13 books, including the highly regarded Ultimate Guide to Stretching & Flexibility, The Anatomy of Stretching, and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries. These publications, recognized on Amazon’s best-seller lists and translated into 15 languages, provide valuable insights and practical guidance for athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Brad’s work, rich with evidence-based techniques and easy-to-follow exercises, has set a new standard for resources in his field.
As an educator, Brad has lectured extensively on sports injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for Sports Medicine Australia, helping shape industry standards in sports science. His lectures and workshops cover essential areas of exercise physiology, injury prevention, and flexibility, providing practical tools that athletes and coaches can use to improve performance while reducing the risk of injuries. Brad is particularly adept at breaking down complex topics into accessible, actionable information that professionals and beginners alike can apply.
Since 2017, Brad has served as Chief Stretch Adviser at StretchLab Franchise, LLC., a premier provider of assisted stretching services with locations around the world. In this role, he developed the Flexologist Training Program, a rigorous 70-hour certification that trains practitioners to deliver safe and effective one-on-one and group stretching sessions. This program emphasizes not only stretching techniques but also anatomy, physiology, and client safety, reflecting Brad’s commitment to high standards and professional development within the stretching and wellness industry.
Brad’s contributions have reached a wide audience through numerous media features. His insights on flexibility and wellness have been published in prominent outlets such as the Washington Post, New York Times, Runner’s World, and Men’s Health. Publications worldwide recognize him as the “Stretching Guru,” and his work has been referenced more than 100,000 times on Google. From features in Nine Honey and New Idea to specialized fitness publications like Triathlete and Body + Soul, Brad’s expert advice is widely sought after in discussions on stretching trends, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.
Brad’s extensive client list and international exposure speak to his deep understanding of the mechanics of stretching and sports injury prevention. He has advised teams and individual athletes across 122 countries, providing them with personalized strategies for improved performance and long-term wellness. His approachable teaching style and thorough knowledge have earned him hundreds of endorsements, particularly for his skills in injury prevention, exercise physiology, and athletic training.
Brad is also active in industry organizations. He has been a member of Sports Medicine Australia since 1994, where he continues to contribute to advancements in sports medicine and athletic safety. His ongoing work with this association highlights his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and his dedication to sharing his knowledge with colleagues and practitioners around the world.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brad’s personal motto, “Live in the Moment,” reflects his approach to life and work. He believes in fully engaging with each task and project, dedicating his focus to create lasting, positive impacts on those he serves. Living on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, with his wife of 29 years, Jennifer, and their two sons, Ethan and Seth, Brad embodies a balance of professional dedication and personal fulfillment.
Character:
Brad Walker is passionate and dedicated, driven by a commitment to helping others achieve healthier, injury-free lives. His personal motto, “Live in the Moment,” reflects his engaged, hands-on approach to both his professional and personal life.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of expertise in exercise science and sports injury management, Brad has a profound understanding of stretching, flexibility, and rehabilitation. His comprehensive knowledge, supported by hands-on experience and numerous publications, has made him a trusted authority in the health and fitness industry.
Strategic:
Brad has strategically positioned himself as an influential leader, from founding The Stretching Institute to developing industry-standard training programs at StretchLab. His ability to create impactful resources and protocols demonstrates his foresight in addressing the evolving needs of the fitness and wellness community.
Communication:
Brad excels at translating complex concepts into clear, actionable advice, making him a highly effective educator and speaker. His approachable style and commitment to accessible information have established him as a respected voice in media and among fitness professionals globally.
