Over the past few months of using Bend daily, I’ve noticed a remarkable difference in how my body feels. I’m less achy, more loose and limber, and I’ve also been more conscious of my posture even when I’m not actively stretching.
But it isn’t just my physical health that has improved—I can feel a difference in my mood throughout the day too. Stretching has become a form of self-care that helps me reset, relax, and feel more grounded. It isn’t just a placebo effect, either.
Stretching plays a crucial role in calming your nervous system and can be a natural mood booster, which is why I like to start my mornings with one of Bend’s routines. “It helps release hormones like serotonin and endorphins, which can improve your mood, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity,” McDowell says. Incorporating stretching into a daily self-care routine can help you feel more productive and better equipped to handle stress, too.
However, it isn’t without its limitations. Though Bend’s catalogue of stretches is large, it’s also finite. “There’s a strong chance you’re going to want variety or more challenges in the future,” says Wirecutter senior staff writer Seth Berkman. He adds, “I would advise anyone [looking to begin stretching] to consult with a physician, if possible, before entering into any kind of routine.” You can ask your doctor for recommendations for stretches specific to your needs and also go over proper form to prevent injury. Seth also points out that you can find many helpful stretches and exercises for free on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Bend’s pricing and subscription model is a touch confusing. Whether you get a free trial seems to depend on where you click in from; some of our staff received free-trial offers while others did not. And once you are ready to pay for a full year, the pricing is also inconsistent.
We reached out to Bend, and representatives confirmed that the annual subscription price is $40, but the company often runs promotions bringing the price down to $24 per year. The monthly subscription varies too, with a price of $5 to $15 a month, depending on whether a promotion is running. After my free trial ended, I wavered when I saw the yearly fee of $40, so I decided not to subscribe. But minutes later, I got an alert that a yearly membership was suddenly $24—so I jumped on it.
Although we can’t be sure when the $24 promotion will run, we can suggest that if you see only the higher price at checkout, it may be worth exiting the app to see if Bend offers a lower price.
For me, the Bend app has been instrumental in creating a consistent habit that makes me feel so much better. It’s like having a personal stretching coach in my pocket, easy to access no matter where I am. I mainly stretch at home, but it’s also a perfect gym companion and great to use while I’m on vacation.
This year, stretching daily is making another appearance on my list of resolutions. But this time, I know I’ll stick with it—because I already am.
This article was edited by Hannah Rimm, Katie Okamoto, and Maxine Builder.
