‍♂️ The best split stretching machines in 2020

Very often you can hear that stretching is an important element in a person’s healthy lifestyle, and why it is so important, let’s take a look. So, stretching is a set of exercises that are aimed at increasing the flexibility of the human body and increasing muscle elasticity.

The split stretching machine helps you achieve results in a short time. Flexibility is the ability of the body to perform certain exercises. Thus, stretching is very important in many sports, including gymnastics, and a leg stretching machine will not be superfluous in any apartment.

Advantages of the equipment

Finding a stretching machine can be difficult; some companies produce low-quality products that do not meet the stated characteristics. Most exercise equipment is a device equipped with a seat and sliding elements. The main feature of this option is the ability to quickly and painlessly develop flexibility. The machines are suitable even for people who have never played sports. There are also special tapes and universal designs.

Professional trainers recommend starting only with specialized devices. When exercising on this simulator, your legs are completely relaxed, since the design provides a special fixation. Therefore, the training takes place without pain and excessive stress. But you won’t be able to complete the entire workout at once; this takes time. Because the muscles must get used to it; this is the only way to perform split stretching exercises without injury.

Such a device will be useful to almost every person, but most of all it is in demand:

• For beginner dancers, since in order to master new movements, it is necessary to have sufficient flexibility;
• Gymnasts;
• Among people who do karate or kickboxing;
• For yoga lovers.

But besides athletes, the device is popular among those who lead a healthy lifestyle or want to make their legs toned.

But the main advantage of split stretching is that it helps strengthen joints, which has a positive effect on their mobility. Also, constant exercise can improve the functioning of the genitourinary system. This is achieved due to good blood circulation in this area.

The easiest element is the longitudinal twine; you don’t even need to buy special equipment to perform it, just use special video tutorials. It is much more difficult to perform a cross split. It is for such purposes that such devices are created. Even despite this, you won’t be able to learn in a month; this will take a lot of time, at least 8 months.

The main advantages of twine equipment include:

• Comfortable leg fixation. The muscles are completely relaxed and do not tense during exercise.
• Without any effort, a person can fix his legs in one position and not feel pain.
• Muscles adapt to loads faster.
• The training does not require the help of a specialist; a person conducts all training independently at home.
• During class, you can turn on your favorite movie to avoid getting bored, or music.
• There is no risk of muscle damage.
• Legs become beautiful and toned.
• External defects of the lower leg are eliminated.

Despite the large number of positive aspects, the simulator is not without its disadvantages:

• Some models are too expensive;
• Takes up a lot of space, so it is not suitable for all apartments;
• A person will only learn the transverse split, and the longitudinal split will have to be trained again.

Types of suitable exercise equipment

You can achieve the first high-quality results in muscle stretching in two months; modern exercise equipment will help with this. There are three main types of stretching machines. The first type is equipment directly for stretching the legs, the second and third types are exercise machines for the whole body, in particular the back, without which it will be impossible to carry out stretching exercises in a healthy state. So, the second and third types of stretching equipment are gravity boots and an inversion table.

Twine trainer

It allows you to quickly stretch your leg muscles without pain. This device is ideal for figure skaters, dancers, gymnasts, swimmers, as well as those who practice martial arts.

Twine stretching machine

Advantages:

• Anyone can exercise, the size of the ankles and feet does not matter;
• the time and intensity of the load are regulated by the trainees.

Inversion boots

Inversion boots were designed to relieve stress on the back on the horizontal bar without impacting the spine. They are well suited for stretching the splits of athletes and people who walk, run a lot and use force loads on their muscles.

Inversion boots

Advantages:

• relieve lumbar pain;
• saturate the brain with oxygen;
• help prevent varicose veins;
• relieve stress;
• equipped with a metal base of increased strength to ensure safe training;
• boots fit any size, fastening is done in one movement.

Inversion table

Inversion table

It is aimed at working with the spine and back, because if there are problems in the muscles and tendons of the “base” of our skeleton, it will be impossible to perform a split landing. The basic principle of an inversion table is the use of gravity in the process of turning the body of a person who lies feet up at various angles. The simulator frees up free space between the vertebrae. Inversion simulators are divided into mechanical, electrical, as well as professional and for home use.

Correct operation

To avoid injury during training, it is important to start it correctly. Therefore, it is worth following a number of rules that are indicated in the instructions:

• Mandatory warm-up. The muscles must be completely warmed up. Particular attention is paid to the lower part, as it is used more than the rest. This stage is the most important, so you cannot skip it. Warm-up time is 15-20 minutes. What exercises to do, everyone decides for themselves. Trainers recommend starting with raising your arms, then gradually moving lower. It all ends with walking or running in place.
• After the warm-up, you need to start the lead-up exercises. They are also given 20 minutes. The leg muscles are directly involved here. Suitable exercises are butterfly, lunges, frog, etc.
• The last stage is training on the simulator itself. The minimum lesson time is 30 minutes, the maximum is 1.5 hours. Beginner users are advised to perform only one set per day. With experience, this number increases. There is no need to immediately set the maximum angle; this will not lead to anything good. It is better to gradually stretch your legs and, as soon as you feel the load, stop in this position.

Only following the points correctly contributes to effective and high-quality twine. It is important to always remember to warm up; if you do not do it, you can get injured for life and forget about the splits forever. Warm muscles are much more flexible than “cold” ones; this has been proven by more than one athlete.

The benefits and harms of this sports equipment

To improve muscle function, you can use traditional methods: bending, swinging. But quick and high-quality results will only come with the help of special equipment, which guarantees correct manipulations without exposing the muscles to undue stress.

Each exercise machine has a well-thought-out adjustment mechanism that allows you to fix the angle of leg spread during training. They also help support the back and minimize the risk of injury. A beginner, clumsily warming up the ligaments, can damage muscle tissue, rupture tendons, and even bring himself to a state of disability. Any stretching should be performed taking into account established rules and recommendations. Under no circumstances should you make sudden movements or exercises through severe pain.

Let's consider the positive and negative aspects of using special equipment:

What criteria influence the result?

A splits machine will help you achieve proper stretching, but this can happen at different times. This is influenced by several factors, the most common:

• Age. If an older person decides to buy this exercise machine, then you need to be prepared for the fact that it will take many times more time to stretch for the splits than for young people.
• Degree of preparedness.
• Genetics. Oddly enough, this point also affects speed. After all, not all people are born with ideal and flexible muscles; some have them too rigid.
• How often will training be conducted? It is best to perform the exercises every day, without breaks, this is the only way to achieve good results in a short time.
• Constant warm-up and lead-in exercises.

Stretching is done slowly; a person can sit in one position for weeks. Therefore, the last point is patience. Not everyone has good perseverance, but in these activities it will be most useful. Exercises should not be accompanied by sudden jerks, but should be performed slowly, breathing should be even. If a person is not in the mood to do exercises, then it is better not to do this, otherwise you can injure your muscles.

Why stretch your body?

Beginning athletes often underestimate the importance of stretching, devoting catastrophically little time to it. A splits simulator will not only allow you to do the longitudinal or transverse splits faster, but also get your body in shape and prepare it before training. Why is this necessary?

• Increases flexibility and plasticity of joints.
• The muscles become stronger.
• Coordination of movements improves.
• Movements change to smoother, calmer ones.
• Eliminates the possibility of injury during training.
• The gait becomes lighter and more floating.

Stretching on a machine promotes relaxation of the body, so constantly performing a series of exercises can get rid of discomfort in muscle tissue and cramps. A girl who easily does the splits stands out in the crowd with her flexibility and beautiful gait.

What to look for when purchasing?

The simulator should be easy to use. No complex elements are allowed. At the same time, the equipment is reliable and does not break down.

A good unit must meet the following criteria:

• High-quality assembly;
• No discomfort during work;
• High level of strength;
• Simple angle change.

Comfortable sensations also influence positive results. The user must sit well and not experience discomfort; muscle relaxation depends on this. It is best if the design is equipped with a special scale, so it will be easier to track your results. And when a person sees progress, he understands that all the training is not in vain.

In a high-quality device, the chair and supports are covered with soft material. This allows you to achieve maximum relaxation and reduces the load significantly. Therefore, training with comfortable upholstery is more effective than on a machine where it is not provided. The frame must be made of solid steel, as it affects the stability and strength of the entire structure.

How to stretch correctly

With proper daily training on a modern simulator, a positive result will be visible after two months. There is no need to expect a miracle before this time. It is advisable to stretch both your legs and back for half an hour. Beginners are advised to follow these tips:

1. Immediately before training you need to warm up. This can be done by fast walking, swinging, jumping (for 10 minutes). This will improve blood circulation.
2. You should not do stretching in jerks. Only smooth and calm movements.
3. Any position taken is held for one minute.
4. Stretching will be more effective if the muscles are in a relaxed state.
5. The back is only straight.
6. Breathing is slow and even.
7. You need to exercise regularly.

What else is important to know?

Stretching is not a quick process; it takes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, if a person accepts the desire to learn cross splits impulsively, then there will be no effect from this. Since after a couple of weeks he will quickly change his mind and switch to another workout.

If the user does not want to read the technical specifications, then an easy way to avoid buying a fake is to purchase a branded product in trusted stores that provide a long warranty.

It is important to remember that stretching exercises involve fragile muscles. They can be easily damaged if you do not perform the exercises correctly. And if this happens, then all classes will have to be postponed for a couple of months, since the tissues take a long time to recover. Practice shows that after receiving the first injury, a person no longer returns to the equipment, which is why it collects dust or is sold.

General rules and recommendations for beginners

It is necessary to start stretching directly after warming up. Neglecting this important component of training leads to injury. And if you initially choose this approach and do not warm up, the only result will be a rupture of the ligaments with all the ensuing consequences.

For a complete warm-up, you should do the following:

• jumping rope;
• light jogging;
• swing your legs;
• squats or lunges.

Beginners should supplement the complex with a hot bath, which lasts approximately twenty minutes. Only after wiping your body dry with a towel can you begin training. Some athletes alternate exercise with rest, achieving high results.

The diet also requires attention. Proper and healthy nutrition normalizes metabolism, which allows for increased recovery of muscle fibers. Rest should not be neglected. You can exercise up to 5-6 days a week, but be sure to make one day free from training.

Rating of the best assistive stretching machines

Go Fit GF-STR

The product is a standard rope, the only difference from the others is its good strength. If a person wants to maintain stretching at a certain level, then this is a suitable solution.

It is easy to perform exercises with this element. It doesn't take much time and uses all the major muscles. The kit includes a special tutorial that will help novice users perform the exercises correctly.

The only thing that is important to understand is that this remedy is auxiliary, not primary. It is perfect for introductory training, but does not replace a full-fledged simulator.

Sold at a price: from 1,560 rubles.

Go Fit GF-STR

Advantages:

• Excellent elasticity;
• Helps develop flexibility;
• Includes an exercise guide;
• Convenient use.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Bradex TOP FIT SF 0053

Another good simulator that will be an excellent addition to the main machine. The device will help consolidate the result or, conversely, warm up the muscles before training. Due to its good elasticity, the product is suitable for performing various exercises. The handles are comfortable and fit tightly on your feet. To prevent the equipment from slipping during classes, the manufacturer equipped it with a special stand.

Cost: from 690 rubles.

Bradex TOP FIT SF 0053

Advantages:

• Good elasticity;
• Convenient fixation;
• Withstands high loads;
• Trains all muscle groups.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Stretch Master

This tape is more focused on developing flexibility in children. The device is suitable for both novice users and professionals. The product improves coordination and balance. With proper training, the chance of injury is minimal. The design is as simple as possible and only requires a door or a special hook.

Sold at a price of 800 rubles.

Stretch Master tape

Advantages:

• Easy to use;
• Efficiency;
• Does not require much space;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Only for children.

How is longitudinal twine useful and for whom is it contraindicated?

Benefits of longitudinal twine:

• improves mobility of the hip joints and sacrum;
• normalizes blood flow in the pelvis;
• improves the elasticity of the inguinal ligaments
• straightens the spine, aligns posture;
• prevents pathologies of the genitourinary system (according to experts, as it prevents congestion);
• is an excellent workout for the muscles of the inner thigh.

Movement is contraindicated when:

• hyperthermia;
• chronic joint diseases;
• recent fracture or injury;
• acute inflammations.

If you experience a buzzing in your ears or feel dizzy during exercise, you need to stop training. The best thing to do in this case is to lie down, relax, and drink plain water without gas. If such symptoms recur repeatedly, it is recommended to go to the hospital. Most likely, there are problems with the cardiovascular system.

Rating of budget stretching machines

Stretching machine - 3 levels

A universal simulator that will help you develop longitudinal and transverse splits. Suitable for advanced users. The crossbars are located at three height levels. The structure is made entirely of steel and is highly durable. Color – silver. Equipment weight – 16 kg. Manufacturer's warranty – 1 year.

The average price is 5,000 rubles.

Stretching machine - 3 levels

Advantages:

• Compactness;
• Easy to move;
• Sustainability;
• Soft pads;
• Original design.

Flaws:

• Suitable for advanced users only.

Twine “Standard”

An effective exercise machine for home use, which is suitable for people who do not want to overpay for expensive devices. The structure is made of durable steel, the leg supports are equipped with a soft element. All exercises are performed only on the floor. The effectiveness of the device has been proven by many athletes and ordinary users. Sold in several colors.

The average price is 2,800 rubles.

Twine “Standard”

Advantages:

• Compact dimensions when folded;
• Low price;
• Efficiency;
• Suitable for beginners;
• Convenient to use.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Rating of the best full-fledged simulators

GALAFIT GA1800

A convenient device that has a low price and good efficiency. The product will allow you to perform cross splits in the shortest possible time, without pain or excessive load. The product can be used both at home and in the gym.

If a person buys it for use in an apartment, then it is important to understand that the dimensions are 127x53x24 cm, so it is necessary to allocate a suitable place. The maximum stretch angle is 200 degrees. Withstands weight up to 120 kg.

The legs are extended using a special handle, which is located in front. By rotating it, a person will select the optimal angle and fix his legs in this position.

The average price is 19,000 rubles.

GALAFIT GA1800

Advantages:

• One year warranty;
• Value for money;
• Convenient fixation;
• Easy adjustment;
• Durability;
• Soft seat.

Flaws:

• Not found.

Century Versaflex 2.0

The most popular machine, which is recommended by professionals as their main one. Performing cross splits with this device is much easier. Moreover, a person can do this in 6 months. The maximum stretching angle is 190 degrees.

For greater convenience, there is a progress scale that displays the current result. The weight of the structure is 23 kg. Thanks to the high-quality upholstery, it is more comfortable to sit on such a machine, and the muscles are constantly in a relaxed state.

The average price is 26,000 rubles.

Century Versaflex 2.0

Advantages:

• Strength;
• Progress scale;
• Easy to use;
• Convenience;
• Helps stretch the spine;
• Efficiency.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Hercules 5615

An expensive exercise machine, which is equipped with soft cushions and a comfortable lever. Unlike previous representatives, this option allows you to train not only transverse, but also longitudinal splits. The frame is made of durable steel, which guarantees reliability and good stability on various surfaces. Another feature of this product is the ability to do negative splits. Sold already assembled.

Average price: from 98,000 rubles.

Hercules 5615

Advantages:

• Versatility;
• Reliability;
• Excellent strength properties;
• Convenience;
• Doesn't take up much space when folded.

Flaws:

• High price.

What are there

There are many varieties of this type of simulator. The choice depends on the purpose for which a person will use them and what he wants to achieve. The main types include:

• inversion table;
• inversion boots;
• leg muscle stretching machines;
• foot stretching machines;
• twine trainers.

The best manufacturers present popular models for public viewing, which differ in price, functionality, characteristics, material of manufacture, and principle of operation. Every year new products appear, more modern, with advanced functions.

Everyone determines the selection criteria for themselves. There are several options where to buy the product you like. If you visit a specialized point for selling sporting goods, you can get advice from a sales manager. Before ordering products online in an online store, you should first review the best models, choose which company is better to purchase equipment, get acquainted with popular models, and study reviews.

What should you pay special attention to? According to buyers, the main condition is the safety and effectiveness of the product. It is worth noting that an inexpensive product cannot guarantee quality. The warranty period is also important, during which the equipment can be returned for repair or exchanged for a new one. But which exercise machine is best to buy depends on the buyer’s preferences. In any case, the device must be convenient, reliable, comfortable, of high quality, with load adjustment.

Let's look at each type of simulator in more detail.

Inversion table

You need to stretch gradually, starting small and listening to the “behavior” of the spine. The back muscles are considered the main ones and they need to be prepared for what is planned. The advantage of the equipment is the use of gravity, which is generated when the body turns. Available in several variations:

• electric;
• mechanical.

There are also professional types and those used at home. Before choosing the product you like, you should decide where it will be used. A mechanical design is most suitable for a home. It is easy to operate and you can regularly increase the load, gradually bringing it to the maximum.

Inversion boots

This is excellent equipment for those who move a lot during the day or run long distances. Its main advantages are as follows:

• prevents pain in the lumbar region;
• prevents varicose veins from developing;
• helps saturate the body with oxygen.

The models are quite durable and safe. Can be used by people with any size feet, fastened with one movement.

Leg training device

Very popular among those who want to have beautiful and strong legs. Does not take up much free space, has a lot of advantages, such as:

• load is adjustable;
• no pain;
• excellent results in a short time;
• comfort of use;
• suitable for both adults and teenagers;
• will not allow your legs to be injured.

Foot Stretching Equipment

There are people suffering from flat feet, they suffer from pain in the lower extremities, and there may be other pathological changes that lead to discomfort. A simulator for working the muscles of the feet will come to their aid. In a short period of time, it will help make your feet flexible and relieve pain.

They are extremely popular among ballerinas. Main positive qualities:

• easy to use;
• convenient;
• reliable

Twine trainer

Used to improve the functioning of the muscles of the hip area. Helps work out muscles without causing pain. Widely used in dancing, figure skating, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, martial arts, and swimming. The advantages include:

• Can be used by all people, regardless of foot and ankle size;
• the athlete independently regulates the intensity of the load and the time of training.

You can either choose the option you like or make the design yourself. The last option is suitable for those who are used to doing everything on their own and have certain knowledge and experience in this area. As a hint, you can use the step-by-step instructions kindly provided by the Internet.

If you have any doubts about the correct operation of certain equipment, you can study the step-by-step instructions included with the product, which describe how to properly use the simulator to achieve the desired result.