Help! Leg stretching machines - which one?

[azzzy]

Yes, there were several people to witness this. After all it was a public event. Luckily this had happened after midnight and the majority of people had left already. But they could see the hole in the wall for at least a month after the incident (the club had weekly swing dances on Tuesdays). And even after they finally repaired the wall, they didn't paint it green like the rest of the room and just left it white. My legacy.

 

And yes, I would also like to know why people don't like these machines. The experience I had was with a different machine but if it didn't break I would probably use it to this day.

[CrippledFingers]

On a side note we have the pulley kind at the dojo...I embarrassed myself using that the other day... I was pulling myself up in a side kick type position but then i lost my balance...and to get it back I pulled on the rope (are you seeing where I'm going with this)? I ended up upside down hung by my one foot in the middle of the dojo...fortunatly it was just me and my good friend practicing at that time...but now that I've shared this with the world I suppose that's irrelevant...sorry there is no picture of this event LOL.

LMAO

Memories!!!

That was hilarious!!

[SevenStar]

I haven't read this whole thread yet, but I have a hurley stretch rack. I've never had any problems with it. However, they can be pricey. I only bought it because I got a good deal on it. If you've got money to blow, sure, you can get one. If not, don't worry, as they are not necessary - just stick with your normal stretching routine.

[Sensei Rick]

The one advantage to the machine that I can see (I’ve used my friends century ratchet type model a few times) You can't hold your legs in a straddle sit stretch without something holding you there. and without a partner, you will do nothing but benefit from these. You can only dig your heals in so far and they will creep closer as you are trying to stretch. With the machine you just sit there and can relax…. During the stretch allowing you to become flexible. I think the wheel operated ones are better, but they do not have a meter that tells you your progress. So good luck and hope this helps.

[dano]

I purchased a Versaflex machine about two months ago. I like it and have seen a little progress (the degree indicator is good to measure progress). My guess is that the key is to use it frequently as well as daily stretching exercises.

[jazzmasta25]

Stretching machines are a waste of money in my opinion, just use the ground, and gravity. Take a look at the second link in my signature, this guide is how I achieved my split:

http://www.trickstutorials.com/index.php?page=content/flx3#dsf_x

Juji says best:

No, you do not need a stretching machine. Just consider it's value for a moment. What is the logic behind paying a ton of money for a machine that can only provide one stretch position? The machine will only let you decrease or increase amplitude based on how far you turn the crank, that's not very safe. The machine doesn't even provide correct hip alignment for normal sidesplits. What a waste of money, space, and time! Skip them, they're crap!