Stretching is the deliberate act of lengthening of muscles to increase muscular flexibility or joint range of motion. The activity is often performed by a number of individuals as well as animals and is extremely pleasurable. It gets the oxygen flowing to all the parts of the body and reduces the risk of injury before strenuous exercise sessions. The various benefits of stretching include reduced the risk of injury, improved range of motion of joints and delayed post exercise muscular soreness.
Simple stretching exercises may involve or not involve the use of too many machines. However, hardcore stretching exercises for martial arts, weight lifting, bodybuilding, strength training etc. are extremely demanding. Machines are the backbone of any exercise program. There are a variety of
stretching machines available in the market these days that increase the intensity of your work outs and enhance the overall performance. These machines come in a number of models and are manufactured by several brands. The selection of a machine depends entirely on the specific exercise requirements of your body.
Types of Stretching Machines:
Exercise Mat: This is the most basic strength training equipment. It provides you the base to perform a number of stretching exercises. A simple exercise mat or a highly durable foam mat is recommended in order to avail maximum benefits. Avoid performing any of the stretching exercises directly on the floor as it increases the risk of injury.
Portable back stretcher: This device offers a compact stretching solution and relaxes and decompresses the body. It keeps your ankles secure in the contoured foot support. You need to push firmly with your hands on the lever for a great stretch. It helps realign the spine, increases joint flexibility, improves posture and promotes relaxation.
Leg Stretching Machine: This machine gives a maximum stretching experience enabling you to stretch up to 190 degrees with four position stretching arms and multiple thigh pads. It also has a release lever with foam pads in which to place the legs. The lever can be moved up and down. Complete splits stretches can be performed with this machine. This machine keeps the muscles and tendons loose and flexible.
Versaflex Stretching Machine: Maximum conditioning and flexibility helps to achieve the best stretch in the shortest period of time. They offer versatility, are portable and are easy to use. They can accommodate any height, weight and fitness level.
Stretching Chair: It helps improve daily performance. It is great for those individuals who have limited capabilities to move about freely such as overweight individuals or those suffering from a medical condition. A stretching chair helps balance your body and improves your condition considerably. It is also great for those practicing yoga or Pilates training which involves extensive stretching. It improves the posture and muscular coordination.
Fitness Balls: They are also known as Swiss balls, flexibility balls, stability balls, balance balls, etc. When it comes to a great tool for stretching, the ball has unprecedented advantages. Ball stretches are enjoyable as well as beneficial. Using the force of gravity to maximum benefit, the sleek sphere of the ball opens the body, helps you focus on the part of the body you are stretching and allows you to get in touch with the part where strain is concentrated. The inflated quality of the ball supports and relaxes the body so that the muscles involved can release and elongate rather than tense up involuntarily while trying to hold the body upright.
Tips for safe stretching exercises:
Stretch the muscles to a point of its greatest range of motion. Do not overextend. You should feel minimal tightness but no pain while stretching.
Hold and control the stretch for at least 30 to 60 seconds.
Stretch all major leg muscle groups, calves, hamstrings, arm strings, quads, groin, hip flexors etc.
Stretch uniformly. This means that if your stretch one leg, you must stretch the other.
Avoid overstretching an injured area.
Never bounce or jerk while stretching.
Stretching Machines have become quite popular in recent years and allow control over the stretches and are a great way of monitoring your progress as you perform regularly. Before performing any stretching exercises it is essential for you to consult a registered medical practitioner, particularly, if you have any health concerns or are suffering from any ailments such as chronic back pain or injury. While performing any of these exercises if you feel any pain or unusual sensations such as tingling, numbness, dizziness etc. discontinue immediately.
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