Stretching is an essential part of a healthy routine. Whether you are sedentary or a top athlete, it offers many benefits, including greater flexibility, injury prevention, improved circulation and relaxation. There are various machines and types of equipment that can help you get the most benefit from stretching. Which one is right for you will depend on your level of fitness, the type of activity you do and your budget.
ProFlex
At the top end of the stretching machine market is high-tech equipment like the ProFlex, a "rack"-style machine that assists with a wide variety of seated stretches. According to the ProFlex website, the unit is suitable for a variety of athletic activities and offers total body stretching. However, it is not portable and it costs $500 as of July 2011, so it typically is best suited for serious athletes who require a highly refined stretching program.
Precor Stretch Trainer
The Precor Stretch Trainer is a seated stretching machine, making it a good choice for people who may have issues with balance or mobility when doing unassisted stretching. The Precor website notes that the unit is suitable for users of all fitness levels seeking to improve flexibility and coordination. It includes instructions for stretching all major muscle groups: lower back, hamstrings, glutes and hips, upper back, inner thighs, shoulders and quadriceps. It typically has a retail price of $700 to $850 as of July 2011.
Bowflex LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner
The LifeSpan Stretch Partner is designed for home use and typically costs from $500 to $700 as of July 2011. It has a seated design that uses Bowflex bands to enhance a variety of stretches that work all major muscle groups. It includes an instructional DVD that demonstrates assisted and unassisted stretches, so it is a good option for those seeking a highly personalized routine. Another feature is that it has wheels, which make moving and storage easier if you have limited space.
Teeter Hang Ups
Teeter Hang Ups are inversion tables, specifically designed for stretching your lower back. According to the company website, such stretching is beneficial even if you don't have back problems, because preventative stretching can help relieve compression and skeletal misalignments that can occur during sports or daily activity. It recommends enhancing a back-stretching routine by doing side bends, back arches and situps to mobilize and strengthen your core muscles. Teeter makes a number of models, with prices starting at $300 as of July 2011.
