Hi, new to the forum. Has anybody used the Ry-Ko leg stretcher and if so, is it any good? http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Browse/ID69/10199523/c_1/1%7Ccategory_root%7CSports+and+leisure%7C10199392/c_2/2%7Ccat_10199392%7CHome+gym+equipment%7C10199523/r_1/3%7CBrands%7CRy-Ko%7C1/r_3/4%7CPrice%7C20+%3C%3D++%3C%3D+39.99%7C2.htm

I need to get a lot more height when kicking and was thinking about geting one to use at home.

I've spoken to a few people that have used this kind of stretching aid and most told me to save my money.

I don't think I'd buy this tool. Remember that you get what you pay for. This thing looks both cheap and unsafe. Take a look into Century's Versaflex. That's a good piece of equipment.

I find the biggest problems that people have with the equipment they purchase is that they either don't know how to properly use it, or they are not dedicated to using it regularly. I use the Versaflex regularly, and was actually shown the best ways to use it by Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. I added 20 degrees to my straddle (or chinese splits if you prefer) in just a couple months.

dmccarthy wrote:
I don't think I'd buy this tool. Remember that you get what you pay for. This thing looks both cheap and unsafe. Take a look into Century's Versaflex. That's a good piece of equipment.

I find the biggest problems that people have with the equipment they purchase is that they either don't know how to properly use it, or they are not dedicated to using it regularly. I use the Versaflex regularly, and was actually shown the best ways to use it by Bill "Superfoot" Wallace. I added 20 degrees to my straddle (or chinese splits if you prefer) in just a couple months.

Hi dmccarthy, i have a leg stretcher which is currently gathering dust in a cupboard. No instructions were given on how best to use this type of equipment, would you please offer some advice as how to get the best from it?

I'd be more than happy to:

Superfoot emphasizes the 4 T's:

Temperature

Warm up real good for 3 - 5 minutes before you begin stretching. You want warm, oxygen rich blood pumping through the muscle groups you are going to work.

Tension

You need to isolate and tense the muscles being worked. This is really the job of the machine more or less, but don't slack just because the machine is doing most of the work. Keep your toes pulled back. most stretching machines focus on the adductor group of muscles (inner thoughs), so make sure that is where you feel it. Also stretch to uncomfortable... not to pain.

Time

Anything worth doing is worth doing right. This means it will take you time. You should plan on holding each position for 20 - 30 seconds and doing several reps of each stretch to get the best benefit. Also make sure once you do some hip circles to relubricate your hips once you asre done with the machine.

Tired

Save serious stretching for the end of your day. Your muscles will fight you less (ie stretch reflex) if they are already exhausted from the days activities.

Only do this routine 2 or 3 times a week. The machine is not intended for use on a daily basis. You'll overdo it and injure something.


If you need anymore advice let me know.

Thanks for your help dmccarthy.

Thanks for all your advice. I've decided not to buy this thing as it looks like its a bit of a gimmick. Better of just doing stretching exercises and training!!