Thread: Stretching machines?

My husband wants to treat himself to a stretching machine, like the one they have at the gym. He has a desk job, works way too much (professor), but goes running and plays soccer.

Given that the device is not cheap, I am wondering whether it is worth the money. What's the Bhuz wisdom on this? Thanks for all help. (I would be allowed to use it, I was assured.)

Here's what he wants: Amazon.com: Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer: Sports & Outdoors

Originally Posted by steffib

My husband wants to treat himself to a stretching machine, like the one they have at the gym. He has a desk job, works way too much (professor), but goes running and plays soccer.

Given that the device is not cheap, I am wondering whether it is worth the money. What's the Bhuz wisdom on this? Thanks for all help. (I would be allowed to use it, I was assured.)

Here's what he wants: Amazon.com: Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer: Sports & Outdoors

I've seen these at the gym I go to - as well as the big cage looking thing people use to stretch in.

Personally, I'm not sure I would pay 700$ for one of these things. I would probably even be hard pressed to pay half of that.

I think you can get just as good of a stretch and gain in flexibility doing regular stretches or yoga. Maybe invest in some bands? These are great for adding a bit of resistance to your stretches.

Total Stretch with Resistance Bands

Just my 2cents - but then again, I'm poor school teacher.

I totally agree with Hezzar. If you're going to invest that much money, invest it in something that you can do anywhere, anytime! The problem with machines like this is that you are bound to it. You "can't" do the stretches when you are away from home! What if you get a leg cramp dancing, or have a minor shoulder cramp and need to stretch it out at the office? Plus, think of how many personal training sessions on stretching you could get at the gym for that $$, or how many yoga classes, and both would teach you how to do healthy, safe stretching under the supervision of a pro. A win-win if you ask me...

Originally Posted by steffib

My husband wants to treat himself to a stretching machine, like the one they have at the gym. He has a desk job, works way too much (professor), but goes running and plays soccer.

Given that the device is not cheap, I am wondering whether it is worth the money. What's the Bhuz wisdom on this? Thanks for all help. (I would be allowed to use it, I was assured.)

Here's what he wants: Amazon.com: Precor 240i Commercial Series StretchTrainer: Sports & Outdoors

If he uses it, and you have the money to spend, it will be worth the money.

I don't have the money to spend, and honestly can't tell why this "machine" (does it have moving parts? or is it more like a fancy ergonomic chair used for stretching?) is better than stretching by yourself.

For me, it's a case of "Well, if he wants it THAT badly, we'll get it when we can afford it."

I'm not familiar with these machines, but as a yoga instructor I have two reactions right off the bat

1) (deleted my comments about the stretches pictured looking unsafe because I may have been wrong about that -- see below)

2) Stretching is incredibly simple and easy. I can't think of any physical activity that needs less equipment. A yoga or stretch video is all you need. A few simple props, like a tie/belt/towel and some blocks/firm pillows/books might be helpful. I would go with Patricia Walden, she's a genius. Amazon.com: Flexibility Yoga: Patricia Walden: Movies & TV

If your husband won't use the $14 video, he probably wasn't going to use the $700 piece of equipment either!

Edited to add -- I did a lot of googling and couldn't find any concerns about the safety of the machine for the lower spine. If it were a concern, I would expect to have found someone blogging about it. Since I was only looking at static pictures and not seeing motion, I take back what I said about the movements appearing unsafe. But I'll let the rest of my response stand.

I will also add, though, that the reviews from people who are using the machine seem to be overwhelmingly positive.