Leg stretching equipment

[Shotokan-kez]

Do these things really work? I do a lot of Stretching when i work out because i want higer kicks, and i would love to be able to do the splits. They are expensive, any opinions before i go buying one? Don't want waste my money.

Kez

[Pacificshore]

I think you will find various opinions regarding stretching machines or devices. Smoe like them while others don't. In my opinion, I tend to like them because I had one many years ago, and I did find some benefit to it. I am without is as of now, and I find that stretching out now is not as easy as when I was 20-30 years old. Of course I don't have to funds to buy a new stretcher, but if one were to go on sale for a really good price, I might just invest in another one

[Pacificshore]

I think you will find various opinions regarding stretching machines or devices. Smoe like them while others don't. In my opinion, I tend to like them because I had one many years ago, and I did find some benefit to it. I am without is as of now, and I find that stretching out now is not as easy as when I was 20-30 years old. Of course I don't have to funds to buy a new stretcher, but if one were to go on sale for a really good price, I might just invest in another one

Woops sorry for all the typo's...on 3rd glass of wine

[Shotokan-kez]

Hmmm thats interesting, might have to invest in one then...well as soon as money permits.

[koko1969]

IMHO, stretchers are only good if you use them on a continued basis. Like any type of exercise equipment, machines tend to bought, used for a little bit and then thrown in the closet.

[Meguro]

IMHO, stretchers are only good if you use them on a continued basis. Like any type of exercise equipment, machines tend to bought, used for a little bit and then thrown in the closet.

This is true. If your heart is set on spending the money, buy a used one. Otherwise get tips on stretching on the net or the many books out there on the subject. It's cheaper and in the end may be just as effective as a machine.

[bushido_man96]

They are ok, but you could do without them. They are nice for locking your legs into a nice stretched position where you can feel some tension, and then sitting back and watching TV for a while. Otherwise, just stretching on your own is ok, too.

One thing about stretching on your own is you can do different stretches, where as a machine will usually only stretch one position. Another option is getting a pulley system to tie a rope around your ankle, and stretch and hold in a kicking postion.

[mp5man1]

I had one that worked great. It folded out with 2 sliding plastic pieces that you put your foot on. They would slid out to where ever you placed a pin to stop the slider. I have not seen them advertised any place and mine broke after a while. Stile it was a great piece of equipment while it lasted.

[Jiffy]

As mentioned, there are some limitations on these machines. They can only do one exersize and they need to be used continuously (like any normal stretching).

The main advantage of them is this.

When doing an excersize like the splits, the muscles need to be slightly contracted to support your weight. The only way to fully stretch is to relax the muscles you are stretching. This machine allows you to do that.

[A_Train]

They are ok, but you could do without them. They are nice for locking your legs into a nice stretched position where you can feel some tension, and then sitting back and watching TV for a while. Otherwise, just stretching on your own is ok, too.

One thing about stretching on your own is you can do different stretches, where as a machine will usually only stretch one position. Another option is getting a pulley system to tie a rope around your ankle, and stretch and hold in a kicking postion.

I see cheap pulley systems lick this for sale all the time. Has anyone had success with those?