Flexibility often plays a large part in many sports, not only gymnastics. Stretching is something that can be improved independantly at home, with many products out their for help! In this article I will be going through a variety of stretching equipment to increase your flexibility in no time!
What is The Best Stretching Equipment?
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Stretching Equipment Reviews
The PlumBand Stretch Band
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The PlumBand Stretch Band Review
Popular amongst dancers, gymnasts, and anyone looking to get flexible! We have the PlumBand Stretch Band.
This small but effective piece of stretching idea is a perfect accompaniment for anyone wanting that bit of assistance with their flexibility but may not have an extra hand to help push them that little bit further.
The PlumBand itself is a continuous loop of premium grade natural rubber, partnered with an instruction booklet for stretching ideas and a drawstring bag for storage after use.
Suitable for all ages and abilities, this stretch trainer band is available in colours purple, blue and pink and two sizes, small and regular.
I would rank this piece of flexibility equipment as the best due to its compact size, convenience, and durability. This long-lasting resistance band will be there to increase your flexibility, strength, and full-body range of motion.
Pros
- Compact size suitable for travel
- Assists with strength as well as flexibility
- Strong and flexible for a variety of stretches
Cons
- Lets off a slight smell of rubber
KLAR FIT Barre Amelie Stretch Ladder
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KLAR FIT Barre Amelie Stretch Ladder Review
With four different levels to reach maximum flexibility, we have the KLAR FIT Barre.
This stretch ladder is perfect for those looking to improve their splits and overall leg flexibility. With this stretching aid, you can challenge yourself to stretch past your limits, with the safety of coming out of your split with ease whenever you need.
Made from sturdy steel tubes with a non-slip base, this gym stretching equipment is robust and stands strong to ensure you stay in place mid-stretch.
This flexibility equipment includes four stages of height levels, the tallest reaching 89cm for the ultimate oversplits stretch.
Though this stretch ladder is designed for splits, it can also work great as a piece of back stretching equipment. Use the levels for backbends, or an extra stretch in a seal position.
This may be a larger set of stretching equipment but this flexibility aid is still easy to store! Due to its lightweight and thin structure, it can easily be tucked behind furniture to keep it out of the way when not in use, if that’s not enough it can be dismantled into individual rods for flatpack storage.
Pros
- Robust powder-coated steel tubes that last
- Non-slip base pads to avoid sliding
- Can be dismantled for storage
Cons
Manco Luella Leg Stretcher Band
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Manco Luella Leg Stretcher Band Review
A more affordable alternative to higher-end stretching equipment we have the Manco Luella Leg Stretcher Band.
This piece of dance equipment for stretching is suitable for all levels and abilities, so if you are just starting out on improving flexibility this is a great budget stretch trainer that can start at beginner and work up to advanced.
With a hook design, this gym stretching equipment is hooked onto the door and fastened into place by closing the door, leaving the hook on the other side for a secure stretch.
Not only is this stretching aid great on the door to work skills such as y balances, needles, scorpions, and many other standing balances, it’s also great to have individually on the floor for other static over stretches such as straddles, lunges, and splits.
The 150gr cotton strap can loop over your foot or ankle, as you pull the strap the leg stretcher will give you the slight overstretch, giving you the control to choose whether to stretch further or release some resistance.
This stretching equipment is one size fits all and comes with the door strap and a drawstring bag included.
Pros
- Variety of colour choices
- Door hook sturdy for peace of mind
- Great value for money
Cons
- The strap does not stretch at all as a resistance band would
- Does not include an instruction booklet
OTEKSPORT 3 Bar Leg Stretcher
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OTEKSPORT 3 Bar Leg Stretcher Review
Taking a slightly different but just as effective turn to stretching we have the OTEKSPORT 3 Bar Leg Stretching.
This stretching machine is made from three stainless steel rods, each with a thick, extra grip foam at either end to hold during use and ensure anti-slip and prevent any scratching to the beneath surface.
Designed as a leg stretcher to push you past your limits in a straddle position, this stretch trainer is a sturdy piece of flexibility equipment that can gradually improve the suppleness of your legs over time.
The two longer main bars attach to either of your ankles whilst the shorter middle bar sits against your groin, fastening with the waist strap included. Use the centre bar to pull towards you to widen your legs further.
The adjustable rod means that this stretching equipment is suitable for all ages! When not in use the leg stretcher bars can be folded into one for a convenient and portable package, ideal for storing with ease or even great for travel!
Pros
- Adjustable for a variety of heights and ages
- High quality and easy to use
- Low Price Tag
Cons
- Doesn’t have many uses apart from stretching straddle
EverStretch Leg Stretcher
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EverStretch Leg Stretcher Review
The EverStretch Leg Stretcher is another stretch trainer which attaches to your door to help you reach your maximum flexibility and improve your static stretches.
This stretching equipment set includes a 9.8ft strap with adjustable loops, a door anchor to fasten in your doorway, and a stretching guide that includes some flexibility exercises for you to try with the straps!
Though this door stretcher sits at a slightly higher price than others, the features included make up for it and make it really good value for money, also including an Ebook and online tutorials to follow for extra stretching inspiration.
When it comes to gym stretching equipment you want something that is simple to use, and this leg stretcher is just that. Suitable for children, teens and adults, simply follow the instruction manual included to attach to the door or use your straps separately for overstretching on the floor.
Pros
- Ease of use suitable for all levels of flexibility
- Adds excitement and change to your stretching routine
- Improves back, leg and shoulder flexibility
Cons
- Cotton Straps can rub skin if used for long period of time
Quest Bespoke 3 Tier Gymnastic Stretch Ladder
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Quest Bespoke 3 Tier Gymnastic Stretch Ladder Review
This piece of stretching equipment is designed as a ladder, making it a brilliant flexibility aid for splits and leg flexibility.
The stretch trainer has three tiers of difficulty, the higher you go on the ladder, the deeper the stretch! If you are a beginner, start with light stretches on the first level and gradually work your way up over time, improving flexibility through overstretching.
Made from high-quality timber, the base of this stretching aid is flared out with anti-slip pads on its base for the most secure stretch avoiding any wobbling or sliding during use.
Available in a large variety of colours this flexibility equipment is designed to suit all! From beginners to the extra flexible, this leg stretcher will be sure to improve your lines and shapes for overall stronger flexibility.
Pros
- Large colour selection
- Sturdy robust design
- Suitable for all ages and abilities
Cons
- Does not disassemble so takes up quite a bit of room
Types of Stretching Equipment
Resistance Band
Using a resistance band as a stretch trainer has become increasingly popular among athletes such as dancers, gymnasts, and cheerleaders.
The key to resistance band training is teaching your muscles to resist against the band which in turn makes the muscles work then relax, allowing you to overstretch lightly, without any straining injury, similar to that of PNF stretching.
There are many different sizes of resistance bands, so depending on what it is you would like to stretch you may need to look into the appropriate size for you.
Door Strap
The door strap is a great way to improve both back and leg flexibility whilst standing.
Standing flexibility is very important in sports such as dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading as a lot of the time the sport requires the athlete to use their flexibility whilst on their feet
Having a door strap stretching aid allows you to push past your comfortable points of flexibility, which is difficult to do independently, so having the strap is like having a partner pushing you that little bit further.
Oversplit Ladder
An oversplit ladder is a form of flexibility equipment used to overstretch front and box splits. Using the ladder you place your front or back ankle on the dowel of your choice, pushing your splits that little bit further.
This form of stretching equipment is a great way to gradually improve leg flexibility and an easy way to track your stretching progress. Start from the bottom level and work your way up the ladder until you have reached your maximum flexibility!
3 Bar Floor Leg Stretcher
This style of stretching machine consists of three bars all attached together with one main hinge.
The main two bars press against the ankles in a straddle position whilst the shorter middle bar works as a lever to over-stretch the straddle more towards the box split position.
What Stretching Equipment Do I Need?
What Body Part Are You Wanting To Stretch?
When looking for stretching equipment you need to consider what form of flexibility you would like to improve and which body part.
Some forms of stretching machines are specifically targeted to one body part where others can help with all-around body stretching.
What Flexibility Level Are You?
Most forms of flexibility equipment cater to all levels of ability from the inflexible to the more advanced. It’s important when looking for your home stretching equipment to see if the stretcher you like the look of caters to your ability.
For beginners I would recommend using a form of resistance band for your stretching, this allows you to take charge of the stretch from very beginner levels but also allows you to gradually increase the intensity for a deeper stretch.
For advanced athletes looking to further their flexibility, I would recommend a stretcher such as a ladder or a door strap. These are brilliant stretching aids for those who already have slight flexibility and are looking to stretch that bit further, achieving skills such as oversplits.
Why is Stretching Equipment Helpful?
Stretching equipment is helpful as it acts as a form of assistance to help you that little bit more with your stretches.
Of course, stretching can be done individually without any equipment but by having a stretching aid you can mix up your exercises, try new things, and push your stretches that little bit further.
Not only do stretching aids assist with flexibility but they can play a part in many other important aspects of your body.
Using stretching equipment at home has been proved to improve all-around posture. By working on making your muscles more flexible in turn improves balance and posture for better performance and a lower risk of injury.
