The 9 Best Stretching Machines

Stretching is one of the cornerstones of any healthy workout routine. If you’re going to work out, you need to maintain flexibility. Otherwise, you may injure yourself during your routine.

Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to own a stretching machine. If you’re suffering from chronic stiffness, for example, a machine can help combat it. Conversely, a quality stretching machine can also help with spinal pain, by stretching out the muscles that connect to your vertebrae.

We’ve narrowed down the best options covering a variety of machines in our list, including the best leg stretching machines, the best back stretching machines, and even a few whole body options that allow you to stretch multiple muscle groups. Of course, we’ve searched for some good budget and travel options as well. You’ll notice a few inversion tables have made the list as they provide a great all body stretch.

Please consult with your doctor before commencing a new workout or stretching program and follow the instructions as per the machine. It is highly recommended to be thoroughly warmed up before using it.

9 Best Stretching Machines

1. Nitrofit Limber Pro

The Nitrofit Limber Pro is an all-rounder that gives the body a complete stretch. This is one of the most popular stretch machines on the market and has many great features to back this up.

Key Features

• 7 seat adjustment allowing for many user heights
• Calf stretch station integrated with the design
• Nine exercises that are easy to read
• Support bars
• Transportation wheels
• Small footprint
• 250lb user weight capacity
• 2-year warranty

The Nitrofit Limber Pro gives the user the ability to stretch the whole body. The seat adjusts to seven different levels making it possible for the whole family to use.

There are also 3 calf stretch angles that can be completed with a removable (included) angled board for standing stretches.

The user can stretch their shoulders, upper & lower back, hips, hamstrings, quadriceps and calves.

The machine has assembled dimensions of 50.5 x 38.5 x 22.4 inches and a total weight of 56 pounds. It is also easy to move and store thanks to the transportation wheels.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Sturdy, well-made machine
• Easy to transport
• Relatively small footprint
• Adjustable seat

Cons

• Price

Overall the Nitrofit Limber Pro is one of the best whole body stretch machines on the market in terms of value for money. With many glowing reviews and a 2-year warranty, there are many happy customers using this product.

2. Innova ITM4800

The Innova ITM4800 can be stopped in any of six positions, which makes it easy to work your way back to a full 90-degree inversion.

Key Features

• Stretches your back and promotes circulation
• 63” x 28” footprint
• Weighs 57 pounds
• 300-pound weight limit
• 6 stopping positions
• Collapses for easy storage
• Heating, massaging lumbar pad

The Innova ITM4800 is another inversion table, with many of the same benefits as the Invertio. This includes back stretching and improved circulation. However, this is a heavier-duty unit, with a 300-pound weight limit and a whopping six stopping positions.

This is an important feature, since many people can’t tolerate leaning back all the way. If you have trouble at 90 or even 45 degrees, work your way back over the course of a few weeks, as your body gets used to being tilted back. That said, the ankle brackets aren’t very well padded, so make sure to wear a thick pair of socks when you’re using this machine.

The nicest thing about the ITM4800 is the massaging lumbar pad. Two motors work their way back and forth, relieving stress in your lower back. The pad is also heated, which reduces inflammation.

Pros

• Half a dozen stopping positions
• Comfortable lumbar support
• Heats and massages for maximum muscle relaxation
• Affordable

Cons

• Uncomfortable ankle brackets

Not only does this inversion table stretch your back, it also gives you a relaxing lumbar massage.

3. Valor Fitness CA-32

The Valor Fitness CA-32 can also be used to stretch your hamstrings, which makes it a useful combo unit.

Key Features

• Stretches your back or hamstrings
• 47” x 24” footprint
• Weighs 76 pounds
• 350-pound weight limit
• 5-position adjustable handle
• Includes 2 safety wrist straps

The Valor Fitness CA-32 Back Stretch Machine looks almost like an angled rowing machine, with an extra pad added to brace your knees. All you have to do is secure your wrists to the handle with the safety straps, and lower yourself down until you feel a deep, soothing stretch through your entire back.

This machine can also be used to stretch your hamstrings; just put one leg on top of the handles before you lower yourself down. All in all it’s a solid machine, considering the 350-pound weight capacity. And the CA-32’s handle can be adjusted to five different positions, so just about anybody can use it.

Pros

• High weight limit
• Adjusts to fit most body sizes
• Comfortable, padded seat and knee brace

Cons

• Uncomfortable foot supports

This machine has an impressive 350-pound weight capacity, and can be adjusted to fit even very large individuals.

4. Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS100

The Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS100 allows you to perform a wide variety of stretches.

Key Features

• Stretches your back, legs, arms, and more
• 45” x 24” footprint
• Weighs 60 pounds
• 275-pound weight limit
• Includes a comfortable safety wrist strap
• Roll-away wheel for easy storage

The Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS100 Commercial Body Stretching Machine is designed to stretch every muscle group in your body. For a small, portable machine, that’s pretty impressive.

This machine is designed both for home use and as a commercial gym machine. As a result, it has a rugged steel frame that can take some serious abuse. It also includes a stiff plastic placard with instructions for eight different stretches, which mounts directly under the handlebars for easy reading.

The TS100 is a professional-grade machine, so it costs a little more than you’d typically expect from a unit of this size. But you’re getting a tough, durable piece of equipment that will last for years, whether in your basement, your living room, or your commercial gym.

Pros

• Stretches all major muscle groups
• Small footprint
• Includes an instruction placard
• Tough enough for gym use

Cons

• A little pricey

This stretching machine is designed for a full-body stretch, making it ideal for pre-workout use, physical therapy, or general physical well-being.

5. Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS200

The Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS200 is a rugged, professional-grade gym machine.

Key Features

• Stretches your back, legs, arms, and more
• 59” x 29” footprint
• Weighs 102 pounds
• 325-pound weight limit
• Adjustable seat for comfort
• Includes a comfortable safety wrist strap
• Roll-away wheel for easy storage

The Motive Fitness TotalStretch TS200 Commercial Body Stretching Machine is a beefed-up version of the TS100 we’ve already looked at. It has a 325-pound capacity instead of 275 pounds, and includes a similar tear-proof instruction placard, perfect for use in a gym where people may not always be familiar with all the functions.

That said, the TS200 is also an excellent choice for home use. It’s adjustable, so you and your partner can both fit it to your own size when you’re using it. And while it’s fairly heavy, it’s easy to roll away into another room or a closet, thanks to the roll-away wheel on the base.

Pros

• Stretches all major muscle groups
• Useful for almost any sized person
• Includes an instruction placard
• Tough enough for gym use

Cons

• Expensive

This full-body stretching machine has an adjustable seat, which makes it suitable for a wide range of body types, from petite women to guys who do their shopping at Big & Tall.

6. Valor Fitness CA-27

The Valor Fitness CA-27 is sturdy yet designed to be comfortable and easy to use.

Key Features

• Padded leg rests, footrests and back
• Steering wheel to adjust to your designed stretch
• Gear based mechanism
• 3-year warranty
• Easy to assemble
• Maximum user capacity 250lbs

Simple and easy to use the Valor Fitness CA-27 measures 54 x 17 x 9 inches and has a total weight of 49 pounds.

If you are looking to improve your leg flexibility then this machine will do just that. The user has the ability to control the stretch distance with the steering wheel.

The gear mechanism makes it easy to use and is smooth and controlled.

Pros

• Easy to assemble
• Comfortable
• Steering wheel for ease of use
• Gear based mechanism

Cons

• No way to track stretch distances

Overall the Valor Fitness CA-27 is a nifty machine that will help you achieve your stretch goals. Incredibly easy to put together and use the only thing this machine lacks is that you can’t see how far you stretch.

7. Teeter Dex II

The Teeter Dex II comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, which says a lot about Teeter’s confidence in its quality.

Key Features

• Primarily designed for back stretches
• 34” x 29” footprint
• Weighs 62 pounds
• 300-pound weight limit
• Adjustable height, seat, and leg supports
• Built-in pushup and dip handles
• 5-year manufacturer’s warranty

The Teeter Dex II Decompression and Extension Machine is a bit of a unicorn. It’s designed for back stretches and leg stretches, and functions as an inversion machine, where you can hang upside down while supporting your hips on the cushy lap pad.

But you’re not just limited to stretching. You can also use the Dex II for back extensions, crunches, pushups, and dips. If your workout routine involves bodyweight exercises, this is a good choice. It’s also reasonably small, so you can use it in just about any room.

Pros

• Can be used for workouts as well as stretches
• Thick, comfortable lap pad
• Adjustable to fit almost any body size
• Small footprint

Cons

• Not easily portable
• A little pricey

This machine is good not just for stretches, but for a variety of callisthenic exercises.

8. Popsport Pro

The Popsport Pro is an adjustable leg stretcher that’s ideal for yoga, martial arts, and anything that requires doing a full split.

Key Features

• Stretches your legs
• 5” x 55.1” footprint
• Weighs 32 pounds
• 330-pound weight limit
• Adjustable backrest and leg pads
• Comfortable, padded back and footrests
• Can be rolled away for storage

The Popsport Pro is a heavy-duty leg stretcher that’s designed for stretching your inner thighs to the absolute maximum. If you’re a martial artist, a yoga enthusiast, or a dancer, this is an incredibly important stretch. Not only can you do a full split on this machine, but you can also continue rotating past 180 degrees, which provides an even more intense stretch than you could get from doing an ordinary split.

This machine is constructed from rugged heavy-gauge steel, with thick, comfortable padding on both the backrest and the footrests. Not only that, but both the backrest and the leg rests can be adjusted, so just about everybody can configure this machine for a perfect fit.

Pros

• Durable construction
• Gear based system
• Comfortable to sit-in
• Stretches beyond a full split

Cons

• Difficult to assemble

This stretching machine features a ratcheting gear based system, which stays in the same place as long as you don’t turn the wheel.

9. LifeSpan SP1000

The LifeSpan SP1000 is a sturdy, well built full-body stretching machine.

Key Features

• 30-minute video and book showing proper stretching technique included
• Flex smart pivot system giving the user a deeper and fuller stretch
• Sturdy design – solid steel frame
• Transport wheels
• 300lb user weight capacity
• 5-year frame warranty, 1-year parts, and 90-day upholstery

The LifeSpan SP1000 is used by golf PGA and LPGA coaches to increase the range of motion of golfers. It is also used by tennis and baseball players to stretch and strengthen the back as well as improve leg and gluteal muscle flexibility.

The footprint of this machine is 49 x 29 x 38-inches (L x W x H) and has a total weight of 55 pounds.

Users have the ability to stretch many body parts including (but not limited to) the shoulders, lower back, gluteal muscles, lower leg and achilles, torso and obliques, quadriceps, hamstrings, and upper legs.

Pros

• Sturdy design
• Includes 30 min video and instructional book
• Small footprint and transport wheels
• 5-year frame warranty

Cons

• Seat is fixed and not adjustable

Overall the LifeSpan SP1000 allows the user to complete a full-body stretch and includes an instructional video as well as a book. This shows the proper stretching technique and stretches the user can do. The seat doesn’t adjust so if you are looking for something everyone can use then perhaps this model isn’t ideal.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a lot of options out there when you’re choosing a stretching machine. So, how do you decide?

First, you’ll obviously need to choose a machine that stretches the muscles that you want to stretch. Next, consider your lifestyle. For example, if you typically exercise at home, a large, bulky machine makes sense. On the other hand, if you travel a lot for work or pleasure, you’ll be better off with a small, portable stretching machine.

Another consideration is the balance between comfort and price. There isn’t always a direct correlation, but as a general rule, a cushy, padded machine is going to cost more money than a barebones rig with less padding.

One thing is for sure: with this much variety, there’s at least one stretching machine on our list that’s a good fit for you. Even if you decide to go another route, we hope you’ve learned enough to make an educated purchase. Head to our homepage for more reviews and Fitness needs!