The Best Stretching Machines for 2021

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If you’re diving into Jiu-Jitsu and focused entirely on endurance and fitness, you’ll soon find out neither are useful without flexibility. You should never forego the value stretching provides. Ever turn your head fast and give yourself whiplash? It doesn’t take much and yet it still causes pain.

Here’s the rub: you’ll be grappling, performing techniques in quick succession, and do so with fast, explosive movements. By starting a habit of stretching (especially full body stretching), you’ll have rounded out every area to keep your body in the best shape.

It doesn’t just make your body feel better, it also has health benefits, too. It helps prevent injuries, reduce overall muscle pain and discomfort, gives your body better range of movement, which in turn helps carry out technical executions.

Let’s go over the many options you have for introducing the habit of stretching. After all, you wouldn’t want to pull a hamstring.

1. Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer – Best Overall

What makes the Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer the best overall (and there are many reasons) is its ability to stretch the entire body, while also being approachable to newcomers and experts in Jiu-Jitsu. Not sure where to start? That’s okay! The Precor 240i makes it incredibly easy to get started with its handy instructional placard.

Its design allows for full-body stretches, such as: hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, hips, legs, lower back, groin, shoulders, and even your upper back. The Precor 240i doesn’t stop there; it adds comfort with a padded seat, knee pads, padded handlebars, and wrist straps. It also doesn’t take up too much space either, so saving on space is always a plus.

2. Gronk Fitness Commercial Stretch Machine – Editor’s Choice

If you were looking for something with adjustability and assistance when stretching the entire body, the Gronk Fitness Commercial Stretch Machine is our editor’s choice. It has many of the bells and whistles of the Precor 240i (our best overall), though cheaper and not so prevalent in the commercial space. That still doesn’t stop it from performing beautifully for customers.

The Gronk Fitness Commercial Stretch Machine makes great use of its design, being rather small yet still targets the key areas for a full-body stretch. But don’t let that scare away you tall folk. Even if you’re as tall as 6’6″, it will work perfectly fine. There is a diagram for positions, but several customers found it too awkward to read with its placement along the front rod.

3. Nitrofit Limber Pro Stretch Machine – Best Value

Not everyone is made of money, so if you can’t afford the top two choices we’ve picked, that’s okay! With the Nitrofit Limber Pro Stretch Machine, you can still get that full-body relief at a price that won’t break the bank. Once you put it together (which customers found really easy), you’ll have nine different positions to use—and they’re all pictured on a nice placard at the front.

As a bonus, the Nitrofit Limber Pro Stretch Machine is quick and easy to put away. Wheels are built into the front of the machine, along with a bracket to increase the weight limit from 250 lbs to 300 lbs. Unfortunately, it’s rather heavy. If you live on the second floor, you may have to get assistance. Also, the padding is a bit on the thinner side.

4. Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine

Stepping away from full-body stretch machines, let’s take a look at the Century VersaFlex Stretching Machine, which focuses on leg flexibility. Sure, it doesn’t offer the most comprehensive list of positions, but that’s okay if you have machines taking care of the rest. The benefit of the Century VersaFlex is its approachability to newcomers and flexible individuals wanting to reach new limits.

It has three major features you’ll need and want: 190-degree limit, great thigh padding, and adjustability. It also has a degree indicator, which helps keep track of how far you’re stretching your legs, though customers have noted it isn’t the most accurate. The toughest hurdle is assembly. If you have to resort to YouTube to assemble it, there’s a problem.

5. Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine

The Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine is the ideal choice if you want a wider range of adjustability. Once assembled, not only can you adjust the leg pads, but also the back pad as well. It gives a greater opportunity to find the right position to stretch.

Speaking of which, the Valor Fitness CA-27 can stretch your legs up to 180 degrees. It’s 10 degrees less than the Century VersaFlex, but still offers the environment to prepare your legs for splits. However, several customers noted the lack of sufficient grease for the gears and jack screws. If you don’t want to strip your leg stretcher, consider picking up extra grease. It also doesn’t have a degree indicator to keep track of progress.

6. ProForce StretchMaster II Leg Stretcher

For taller individuals, the ProForce StretchMaster II Leg Stretcher is a great option. Its leg rests are much longer than typical leg stretchers, which also helps keep your legs straight and prevent bending at the knees. At the same time, the wheel is very responsive, so refrain from turning the crank too fast.

The ProForce StretchMaster II can push the flexibility of your legs to 180 degrees, making it a good option for doing splits. There’s some nice padding on the back and leg rests, though it could be thicker, and the machine is strong with its steel construction. Unfortunately, it lacks a degree indicator.

7. FIGROL Leg Stretcher

When you want to go back to basics or you want to save on space, the FIGROL Leg Stretcher is perfect as an affordable and space-saving option. Its design is as simple as it gets. You could unfold this in your living room, stretch your legs to prepare for splits, then store it immediately in your closet. The FIGROL Leg Stretcher doesn’t need dedicated space!

Despite its simplistic design, you can practice splits up to 180 degrees. While it does have notches for adjusting height, it has a hard limit. Anyone above 6’4″ will have to miss out on this option. It should also be pointed out that it’s a bit cheaply made, but can you ignore that low price?

8. IRONMAN Gravity 4000

What’s comfortable, made of steel, and can handle 350 lbs? The IRONMAN Gravity 4000. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty back stretcher, the IRONMAN Gravity 4000 makes a fantastic argument. For starters, it handles up to 350 lbs. Not only is it comfortable, with lumbar support, its backrest is extended to accommodate taller individuals.

Just as important are the little feet at the butter, which feature non-skid rubber stabilizers. You can rest easy knowing you won’t slip when you’re stretching your back. While it can be folded for easy storage, it’s still on the larger side. You’ll have to find a dedicated space to use it.

9. Sit and Decompress Back Stretcher

For those wanting to stretch their back and decompress their spine, but want to save space, then you’ll want to consider the Sit and Decompress Back Stretcher. What’s nice about this option over, say, the IRONMAN Gravity 4000, is the ability to relieve pressure on your back without the hassle of a large machine (and it’s more affordable).

Setup is easy: attach the back stretcher to a doorway, attach the straps to your body, and enter a neutral position. Some negative aspects to think about, however, are marks left from the straps. It’s best to wear thick clothing. Also, oversized doorways are out of the question.

10. Gravity Fitness 12-Loop Stretch Strap

The Gravity Fitness 12-Loop Stretch Strap is as basic as it gets, but don’t let that deter you from considering it as an option. Would we suggest this as your primary choice for stretching? No. However, it’s perfect for taking on the go. If you’re feeling a little stiff while practicing Jiu-Jitsu, then spend a few minutes on the sidelines with the Gravity Fitness.

The Gravity Fitness gets bonus points for being accommodating to users with and without shoes. More importantly, there are physical therapy developed stretches included as instructions. What might turn you away from this is its lack of comfort.

The post The Best Stretching Machines for 2021 appeared first on Grappling Insider.

The post The Best Stretching Machines for 2021 appeared first on Grappling Insider.