If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best leg stretcher machine is, then I’d recommend the Proforce Stretchmaster II Leg Stretcher as the best one.
Ever been to the gym and seen someone using a machine that stretches their legs far apart?
This is called a leg stretcher machine, and it can dramatically improve the flexibility in your legs and hips.
You don’t have to go to the gym to use one, though!
You can buy these machines for some decent prices and use them in the comfort of your own home.
Boosting your body’s flexibility from your home gym sounds like fun, right?
Here are the top leg stretcher machines we’ll be reviewing:
- DOMINTY Leg Stretcher
- FIGROL Leg Stretcher Leg Split Stretching Machine
- Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine
- Century Leg Stretcher
- Proforce Stretchmaster II Leg Stretcher
The Value of Owning a Leg Stretcher Machine
Using a leg stretcher machine on a regular basis can help you improve your lower body’s flexibility.
If you want to do the splits but can’t quite master them the old-fashioned way, a leg stretcher can train you to do that.
When you don’t utilize your joints to their fullest potential, their range of motion will start to decrease.
Of course, joints lose range of motion as you get older, but they also lose it when you have certain health conditions.
Frequent joint dislocations in those with joint hypermobility (such as hypermobile type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) can lead to decreased range of motion.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and fractures in the hips and legs can also contribute.
The good news is that the damage doesn’t have to be irreversible. Range of motion can be bettered over time if you do the right kinds of stretches.
That’s where the leg stretcher machine comes into play.
What’s the Best Way to Use a Leg Stretcher Machine?
Even contortionists like Nina Burri find a lot of value from their leg stretchers. As Nina demonstrates, you can start off on an easy setting and gradually push your legs father apart.
Take it slow and steady; there’s no need to rush it.
The leg stretcher can be a great stress reliever in addition to improving your flexibility, bettering your balance, and enhancing the blood flow through your circulatory system.
Before you get on the machine, do some warm-up stretches. This will prime your joints and muscles for the extra stretch you get from the leg stretching machine.
Plan on using your leg stretcher about three times per week. Doing it every day is pushing it, and doing it only once a week won’t get you much in the way of noticeable results.
Oh, and remember to breathe! Holding your breath will limit your stretch.
Keep a nice, straight posture and be mindful of not hunching up your shoulders. Avoid rounding your back; rounding it could lead to injury.
When your muscles start to burn or shake, ease out of your stretch.
Overstretching your muscles could possibly damage them, which is clearly not your goal for using a leg stretcher. Go at a smooth and steady pace.
Choosing the Best Leg Stretcher Machine
How are you supposed to pick out a great leg stretcher machine? What makes for a high-quality leg stretcher anyway?
There are a few factors that you should consider when shopping around for a leg stretcher.
First, you need something that is sturdy. A flimsy product could end up being a waste of money and not even get you the results you want.
The panels should also be padded so that you have some comfort while stretching. Having back support is important too.
A machine with a control wheel is easier to use than those that have ratcheting incremental stretches.
A lot of these products require some assembly, so you will want to get something that is easy for the average person to put together.
Precautions to Take While Using a Leg Stretcher
Leg stretchers are generally safe for most people to use. But this isn’t the case for everyone.
If you are not sure what your body is capable of doing on a new machine, don’t jump blindly into it.
One wrong move could land you in a world of pain, as could simply overdoing it.
Speaking with your doctor, physical therapist, or personal trainer before buying a stretcher is crucial.
They will be better able to assess your abilities and give you some further instructions on how to get started.
Product Reviews
Now that you know a little bit about the benefits of using a leg stretcher machine, let’s take a look at five of the top products on the market.
DOMINTY Leg Stretcher
Looking for something that is easily portable to and from the gym?
The DOMINTY Leg Stretcher is a heavy-duty but easily portable machine that is built from stainless steel.
This machine has a center handle bar and two leg extenders. On each extension are soft rubber grips for added stability.
The DOMINTY offers a full range of stretching with six adjustable hole settings. At its shortest, the DOMINTY is 55.5 cm, and, at its longest, it is 102.3 cm.
This means that long-legged adults can use it, but it will not be strong enough for taller, heavier, or more muscular adults.
If you are closer to 6 feet in height, you will need something different.
One of the best things about the DOMINTY is that there is no assembly required. When you open up the package, everything should already be put together.
And, as far as storage of this machine goes, all you have to do is simply fold it back up and place it just about anywhere.
It fits in the closet, under the bed, or just propped up against a wall. It’s easily portable, so taking it to the gym with you is no problem.
Pros
- Low price
- Easy to fold, store, and tote around
- Gives you a great center fold of the body
Cons
- Too small for longer-legged adults
- It is not ideal for advanced leg stretcher users
FIGROL Leg Stretcher Leg Split Stretching Machine
Finding a machine with a non-slip design is essential. That’s what makes the FIGROL Leg Stretcher such an attractive purchase.
Made from steel, the FIGROL has comfortable EVA foam grip that helps you keep your legs from slipping. They’re soft, but not so soft that they’re flimsy.
The poles each have five holes for adjustability. This is a stretcher that children can use since, at its shortest, the poles are 55.5 cm long.
At their longest extension, they are 102.3 cm. This means that adults under 6 feet in height should have no problem using the FIGROL.
This leg stretcher can be used in conjunction with physical therapy for those with hip surgeries or for women who’ve recently given birth.
It is an easy-to-use device, and it gives a gentle stretch as you progress, thereby increasing your legs’ stretching radius.
It takes mere minutes to figure out, which is great for young gymnasts and children who are interested in fitness.
There might be some cause for concern with a select number of these products, as users have reported cheap parts here and there.
The hinge seems to be unstable on some of the leg stretchers, but not on all. For the most part, the FIGROL seems to be of a high-quality make and is sturdy enough for adults to use.
Pros
- Easy to use; takes only a minute for most people to figure out
- Is small enough for children but large enough for many adults
- Has padding that is balanced well between firm and soft
Cons
- Some parts might be cheaply made
- Might not work as well for adults over 6 feet in height
Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretch Machine
If you are ready to invest a little bit more money in your stretcher, the Valor Fitness CA-27 could make for a smart investment.
With this product, you get the turn wheel (one crank equals 10 degrees) to help you adjust your settings.
This is certainly an efficient way to get your stretching done, and it also helps to keep you from overdoing it.
You can adjust the leg pads into two different positions depending on how much support you need and how deep you want your stretch to go.
The stretcher will go out to a full 180 degrees, allowing you to get into a split once your body is ready to do it.
The downside here is that this machine is not terribly easy to lug around. It is meant more for light commercial or home usage, not being toted to and from the gym.
Also, this thing weighs in at a hefty 49 pounds, so you will have to use a little bit of extra effort to store it at home.
The good thing about the bulk of this product is that it reflects the high quality of materials used.
The solid steel frame is definitely heavy duty, and the padding is double-layered with tough (but not uncomfortable) fabric.
Also, with a weight limit of 300 pounds and a wide degree of adjustability, people of almost any size can use this machine.
Pros
- Most people can comfortably fit on it
- High-quality materials
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Not easily portable
- Some machines have gear grinding
Century Leg Stretcher
Looking for something that is easy to carry with you to the gym? The Century Leg Stretcher is lightweight in its design. It also folds up easily for increased portability.
Additionally, this leg stretcher can be mounted onto the wall when you need to store it, thereby freeing up precious floor or shelf space. That’s just the tip of the iceberg though.
This stretcher will come fully assembled, so you do not have to put any extra time and effort into piecing it together.
It also has a short learning curve. There is a locking ratchet on the rope’s pulley. Once you figure out how to use it, stretching on the Century should feel natural.
Many users really seem to love using the Century. However, some users have noted concerns over return shipping costs.
Returning the product costs about half as much as the product itself.
If you get a faulty part that renders the Century unsafe for use, you will need to think about creatively repairing it yourself.
Pros
- Can be mounted onto a wall
- Little assembly required
- Has a lightweight design for easy carrying
Cons
- A few models might have faulty parts
- Return shipping is expensive
Proforce Stretchmaster II Leg Stretcher
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Proforce Stretchmaster II Leg Stretcher. This machine is the most expensive of the bunch, but it still rings in at a reasonable price.
Overall, you get what you pay for with the Proforce.
So, what are you paying for?
A strong frame built from tubular steel, leg extensions and a back rest that are padded for comfort, and a gear-driven crank that can get your legs to stretch beyond 180 degrees.
If you want to really get a deep stretch, use the stop latch to ease into and hold your stretch. When you are ready, you can back out of it and work your way into a normal position again.
Worried that this machine isn’t portable? Well, rest assured that you can disassemble the turn wheel and fold the back down for easier carrying.
The Proforce weighs 40 pounds, so it might be too heavy for some people to carry. However, considering the high-quality materials used, this isn’t too hefty of a product.
Pros
- Extends past 180 degrees
- Is relatively easy to carry and store
- Made from high-quality materials
Cons
- More expensive than some models
- Is somewhat heavy
And the Winner is…
Which product comes out on top here? That distinction goes to the Proforce Stretchmaster II Leg Stretcher.
While it has the largest price tag, it also maximizes your benefits. Getting a stretch that extends beyond 180 degrees is crucial for those in martial arts, gymnastics, or cheerleading.
It’s also a good goal for the average person to work toward.
The Proforce’s system is what really sweetens the deal. The gear crank system is truly ideal for getting the most fluid stretch.
You get the most adjustability and the least amount of stress on your muscles and joints this way.
And isn’t that the goal of a leg stretcher – to relieve stress and increase flexibility?
Spend your hard-earned money on a high-quality leg stretcher.
Your lower body might just thank you for it!
