One of the activities that we should perform regularly is exercise. You can exercise by running, jogging, aerobics, playing sports or training in the gym. Each of these activities requires some stretching before you begin. In doing so, you prepare your body for the vigorous movements involved in fitness. If you do not stretch, you risk injury to your body. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that physically active people should stretch a minimum of 2 times per week to preserve their flexibility. Traditionally, we prepared our bodies by making a variety of positions on a stretching mat. Today, we simply use stretching machines. What are they and why are they better than stretching mats? Discover the reasons below.
Best Stretching Machine 2020 – Comparison Table!
[content-egg module=Amazon template=list]Best Stretching Machine – Detailed Review!
#1 Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer
The Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer is a high quality stretching machine that you can use in personal or commercial settings. While being a little more expensive than most other full-body stretching machines, it is worth every penny. The machine provides you with state-of-the-art ergonomics and top quality hardware too.
Firstly, the Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer measures 52 inches long, 28 inches wide and 36 inches tall. As a result, it is a compact unit that does not use up too much space in your home or gym facility. When you purchase this machine, you get a 5-year warranty on its frame and 2-year warranty on its other features. It is one of the finest stretching machines in the market right now.
#2 LifeSpan Stretch Partner Bench
There are some fitness machines that combine quality performance, a variety of functions and affordable pricing. The LifeSpan Stretch Partner Bench is one of them. At a low price, the machine provides you with stretching that is comfortable and effective. It is designed such that you can utilize it to stretch out all the parts of your body.
The LifeSpan Stretch Partner Bench makes use of a pivot system that is patented. As a result, you can make complete stretches. This fitness machine is available for purchase as part of a package. As such, when you buy it, you get an accessory video known as Flexibility for Life. Through this video, you can learn how to perform various types of stretches on the LifeSpan Stretch Partner Bench. Moreover, it explains the advantages of each type of stretch. To promote user-friendliness, this machine has few controls. As a result, you can learn how to use it and get accustomed to its various settings very quickly.
#3 Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine
By using the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine, you can enjoy a top quality stretching experience. It is designed to help you achieve your stretching goals in the shortest time possible. To accomplish this, the machine has a strong, sturdy design that ensures stability as you stretch out. In addition to that, the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine facilitates a stretching range of up to 190 degrees. Therefore, you can maximize the fitness potential of your legs and hamstring.
While using the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine, you can place the stretching arm in 4 unique positions depending on the stretching style that you desire to perform. Despite not coming with guides for stretching, you can find out how to use the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine by browsing the Internet.
To experience maximum gains from a stretching machine, you need to be comfortable. To ensure this, the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine has thigh pads located on various positions on its frame. One of the most useful features of this machine is a degree indicator which tells you how wide you have gone. By using it, you can monitor your progress over time.
The Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine is 35 inches long, 20 inches wide and 8 inches tall. As such, it is easy to store. Also, it is easy to carry around since it weighs only 56 lbs (pounds).
#4 IRONMAN Gravity 4000 Highest Weight Capacity Inversion Table
There are some stretching machines that are designed for back or spine stretching. One of these is the IRONMAN Gravity Inversion table. It is one of the best machines that you can get in the market for this purpose. When compared to its competitors, this machine is more expensive. However, its features justify its price.
First of all, this inversion table is very stable. It is made of steel, PVC, and form. As a result, you can trust its stability as you use it. The IRONMAN Gravity Inversion table is ergonomic in nature to ensure customer satisfaction. Therefore, its surfaces are either padded or curved in a handy way.
To ensure maximum capacity, this inversion table can handle up to 350 lb of user weight. In addition to that, it has some safety features. As a result, you can stretch your spine with the IRONMAN Gravity Inversion table quite confidently. It is a high quality, capable back stretching machine today.
#5 The Sit and Decompress machine
This is a stretching machine that is designed for your back. It can effectively decompress your spine. By working on your lower back, the Sit and Decompress machine can help you achieve better fitness by enabling a wider range of motion. In addition to that, it can relieve any pain you could be experiencing in your lower back. Its manufacturer indicates that the Sit and Decompress machine can fix back arthritis.
While designing the Sit and Decompress machine, is manufacturer focused on consumer-friendliness. It is easy to set up for use in your home or the gym. You can also begin using it with no prior experience required. Available in a variety of sizes, this back-stretching machine is a good fitness machine to invest in.
#6 Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS200 Commercial Body Stretching Machine
The Motive Fitness TotalStretch machine is ideal for full-body stretching. Since it has been optimized for all popular stretches, this machine allows you to perform advanced motions whenever you want.
This machine has some unique features such as specially designed handlebars that facilitate a variety of grips while using it. In addition to that, the Motive Fitness TotalStretch machine has an ergonomically designed seating platform and rollers too.
Measuring 59 inches long, 29 inches wide and 40 inches tall, this full-body stretching machine is compact and easy to position or store. Capable of handling a maximum weight of 325 lbs (pounds), Motive Fitness TotalStretch machine can accommodate people of various weight classes.
#7 Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine
With an affordable price tag, the Valor Fitness Leg Stretch Machine is ideal for leg and lower body stretching. You can use it in your home or in a commercial gym to stretch, promote your stamina and improve your posture.
To ensure maximum user comfort, the Valor Fitness Leg Stretch Machine has a steering wheel controller. By using this feature, you can determine the angle of stretch whenever you are utilizing it. To manipulate the wheel, simply put your hands on both sides and rotate it. The leg sections will proceed to stretch accordingly.
The assembly process of this machine is quite easy. Moreover, it is a compact piece of equipment because it measures only 54 inches long, 17 inches tall and 9 inches wide. Last but not least, the Valor Fitness Leg Stretch Machine weighs only 49 lbs (pounds). Therefore, it is quite easy to move or store.
What is a stretching machine?
A stretching machine is a contraption that is designed to help you stretch the muscles in your body before and after a workout. It is available in many shapes, brands, and sizes. This machine is essentially a large metallic frame that has some bars, ropes, and a built-in bench or seat. By getting up on it and manipulating its parts, you can bend your body, achieve a variety of positions and stretch out. Stretching machines made their debut in gyms 10 years ago. Today, they are an essential part of the gym equipment in many facilities.
What is the stretching machine used for?
The stretching machine is used as a preferred alternative to the traditional mat. The seat on a standard stretching machine is designed to tilt backward if you lean forward while on it. This helps you to stretch your back. Gravity and your body weight work together to control the intensity of your stretch. By changing the positions of your hands and legs on the machine, you can effectively stretch every muscle in your body.
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Why are stretching machines better than traditional mats?
This type of gym equipment is better than a regular stretching mat. Firstly, it provides support for people who would normally find it difficult to stretch. Examples of such are the elderly or paraplegics. According to a study performed by Dr. Bates, professor of biomechanics at the University of Oregon at Eugene, stretching machines make the activity physically and psychologically easier. Also, they control the movement of your body and prevent injury through overstretching. In these ways, stretching machines are better than the regular stretching mat. Read on to learn more about these machines.
Benefits Of Using Stretching Machines
Stretching machines are designed to help us stretch out more effectively. They are an essential part of modern fitness technology. Stretching machines are better than traditional mats because they offer unique benefits.
#1 They operate at your level of comfort
Firstly, stretching machines allow you to stretch at your level of comfort. You only stretch as far as you can because you are in control of the machine. In a traditional stretching session, you would have to listen to an instructor and stretch out on a mat. The instructor may push you beyond your stretching ability causing discomfort and possible injury. A stretching machine helps you to avoid this because you can control how far it goes during your session. As a result, you can make improvements in your stretching ability over time.
#2 Allow for privacy and provide support
You can purchase a stretching machine and place it in your house. In doing so, you can enjoy privacy and comfort while using it. Body support is important in fitness. This machine does this for you as you stretch. For example, it supports your spine and back and prevents injury to this critical body part.
#3 They are versatile and improve your health
A stretching machine is capable of working on various parts of your body at the same time. While stretching on a mat, you concentrate on one or two parts of your body at an instance. However, a stretching machine can safely work out multiple muscles and joints at the same time. For example, it can stretch your back, shoulders, glutes and inner thighs simultaneously. Stretching machines also boost your health. They have been found to reduce tightness in the muscles, eliminate back pain and correct posture too.
#4 There are many types available according to your intended use
Depending on the design, stretching machines can work on your entire body or some sections in particular. For example, there are some varieties that stretch out the upper body. Others work on the lower body while another type stretches out the entire body. As such, you can pick the machine that stretches the part that you want to work on.
#5 Do not require external power sources
One of the biggest benefits of stretching machines is that they are powered by your movement. By adjusting the position of your body, the machines respond and make stretching possible. They do not need external power sources such as electricity. As a result, they are energy-efficient and don’t contribute to your power bill.
Types Of Stretching Machines
Stretching machines allow us to stretch our bodies in preparation for some exercise or right after a session of fitness. These machines offer a variety of benefits not provided by stretching mats. There are many activities that we perform so as to improve our fitness. Examples of these weight training, dancing, martial arts, and yoga. They engage various sections of our bodies. To stay safe, we need to stretch out these parts before and after training. For this purpose, there are various types of stretching machines with each one targeting a specific part of the body. Here are the different types of stretching machines available today.
#1 Full body stretching machine
This type of stretching machine is designed to stretch out your entire body in one motion. They can focus on every main muscle network in your body. In one movement, the full-body stretching machines work on the quads, back muscles and hamstrings simultaneously. As a result, they reduce any stiffness in your muscles, relieve joint pain and positively affect your posture. Full body stretching machines have features such as considerable padding, a sturdy frame, soft but firm wrist straps and a large seat.
#2 The leg stretching machine
Do you find yourself in constant need to do splits and stretch your legs wide during your fitness activities? The leg stretching machine is ideal for this purpose. If you use dance or martial arts to stay fit, this machine can help you to prepare for your fitness sessions. It is designed to stretch your legs out as far and as wide as you can go. The leg stretching machine focuses on your hamstrings as you use it. To give you control, there are levers and wheels that help you to stretch gently with increments that are gradual and comfortable for you. In this way, you can only go as wide as you want to in every stretching session.
#2 The back stretching machine
Your back plays an important role in any fitness activities that you engage in. As such, it requires proper stretching before and after fitness sessions. Designed to stretch your spine, the back stretching machines are great to use for posture improvement. They also help in eliminating back pain. An interesting feature of back stretching machines is that they are a good substitute for your chiropractor. They increase your core strong, increase overall flexibility and boost your confidence.
How To Choose A Stretching Machine?
Fitness is a big part of maintaining a healthy body and mind. You can get fit in various ways. Examples of activities for fitness include sports, yoga, aerobics and weights training. It is always advisable to stretch your body prior to a fitness session. You can do so effectively by using a stretching machine. How do you know the right one for you? Read on to find out.
#1 Make sure you are familiar with its method of use
Prior to choosing a stretching machine, it is important to ensure that you know how to use it. There are various types and brands of this equipment available in the market today. They use unique methods to stretch your body. Pick a machine that you can manipulate easily for stretching purposes. Ensure that you choose one that you already have some experience with. This could have been in a gym or elsewhere.
#2 Choose the appropriate stretching machine for your needs
There are various types of machines used to stretch out the body before and after a fitness session. They are categorized according to the body section that they work on. For example, there are full body, leg and back stretching machines. Choose the one that stretches the part of your body which you are targeting. If you desire to have a flexible spine, pick a back machine whereas for flexible legs, simply choose a leg stretching machine. Check its features prior to purchase so as to ensure that it delivers the experience you expect. Remember to avoid any stretching machines labeled with a “Get Fit Quick” motto. In most cases, that is simply a marketing ploy to convince you to purchase a substandard product.
#3 It should fit in your exercise space
When choosing a stretching machine, make sure that it can fit in the exercise spot you have in mind for it. Seeing as it is designed to stretch out your body to its maximum proportions, a stretching machine takes up substantial space. As such, pick one that can fit in your desired stretching spot. To do this successfully, begin by taking measurements of the location where you desire to place the stretching machine. You can accomplish this with some measuring tape. After that, carry the dimensions with you to the fitness equipment store and compare them to the size of the stretching machines that you come across. By doing this, you are sure of choosing a unit that will fit in your target stretching location at home or at work.
Conclusion
For us to stay healthy, we should incorporate some exercise in our daily lives. It can take many forms. Some people enjoy weights training while others play sports to stay fit. Whichever fitness method you pick, your sessions should begin with stretching. Traditionally, stretching mats were ideal for this purpose. However, technological advances have given us stretching machines. These are the new way to stretch effectively. Various types and brands of these machines are indicated above. The benefits have been fleshed out as well. To help you choose the perfect one for your needs, some tips on what to look for are explained above. Fitness organizations and instructors all recommend the use of a stretching machine to make you more limber for exercise sessions. This machine is also ideal for solving health issues such as chronic pain. By referring to the guidelines above, you can enjoy a comfortable, safe experience with stretching machines and enjoy the positive results that you expect.
