should i get a versaflex?

[NewTKD]

Hi,

Im thinking of buying a versaflex from amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Versaflex-Stretching-Century-Sporting-Goods/dp/B0000C5GCV

Im a yellow belt in TKD.

Anyone have any ideas about this?

Thanks.

[terryl965]

They are great machine and your fleability will improve oh so much

[NewTKD]

I guess that means ill get one lol.

Any tips on using it?

Thanks.

[bushidomartialarts]

i say nope.

99.99999% of exercise equipment people buy for the home winds up in the garage after just a couple months.

if you're one of the few and proud, then go for it. but maybe keep that in mind.

[jim777]

Or...start paying closer attention to garage sales! When I find that $50 Soloflex on someone's lawn my Camry wagon is SCREACHING to a halt :lol:

[Yeti]

Or...start paying closer attention to garage sales! When I find that $50 Soloflex on someone's lawn my Camry wagon is SCREACHING to a halt :lol:

Amen Brother!

[NewTKD]

ok well apart from the price.

anyone got tips on using the versaflex?

[bigfootsquatch]

yes dont, I've used stretching machines in the past and have a permanent back injury from it, try the book i typed in the other stretching thread, its a lot cheaper and safer

[bigfootsquatch]

oh by stretching machines i meant the versaflex, sorry if I was unclear

[NewTKD]

book it is!

[bigfootsquatch]

good! I am confident you will improve your flexibility. You'll learn a lot about the different forms of stretching, when to do them, which ones to do, and how many sets etc....and also learn about some phsyiology of the muscle. I hope everything works well for you.

[gkygrl]

yes dont, I've used stretching machines in the past and have a permanent back injury from it, try the book i typed in the other stretching thread, its a lot cheaper and safer

Permanent back injury?? Did you try to be a bit too aggressive from the outset? Just curious how this could happen????

Hope you are ok!

[MBuzzy]

No injuries here so far....

Honestly, I have a few books on stretching and a versaflex. The machine I use every day.....the books, not as much. I like the fact that I can sit on it and read for 20 minutes.

[gkygrl]

No injuries here so far....

Honestly, I have a few books on stretching and a versaflex. The machine I use every day.....the books, not as much. I like the fact that I can sit on it and read for 20 minutes.

I'm really on the fence -- it looks so practical!!!

[FearlessFreep]

Since it's been mentioned in another thread, Thomas Kurtz recommends against both stretching machines and partner-assisted stretching.

[gkygrl]

Since it's been mentioned in another thread, Thomas Kurtz recommends against both stretching machines and partner-assisted stretching.

FearlessFreep -- what did Kurtz say against the stretching machines? Can you share?

I'm just doing research on them now.

Thanks

[FearlessFreep]

FearlessFreep -- what did Kurtz say against the stretching machines? Can you share?

I'm just doing research on them now.

Thanks

I actually don't remember details. I had borrowed the book and recall just reading that but I was more focused on building a stretching regime for myself before I had to give the book back, so I just chalked it up as "he doesn't like machines" and moved on

[still learning]

Hello, Machines are great...in time...you will not use it anymore.

Why? ...most people think it is the machine that improves oneself.....in time everyone stops at one point from using them...

Why? it is not the machine but in one minds...to keep the strectching and excercising up to par....NOT the machines.

IF you want to improve one self....just DO IT...everyday without the machines....

Stretching comes from actual movements of the body...NO limit on the type of physcial excerise's too...

Push-ups, jumping rope, running, walking, squats, weight training, punching and kicking bags, plyrometics excercises and so on..is BETTER!

This one knows...so many excercise toys...NOT being use anymore....

Aloha ( IT is not the machine..but the "MIND TO DO IT EVERYDAY!" ....excercises!

[newGuy12]

IF you want to improve one self....just DO IT...everyday without the machines....

( IT is not the machine..but the "MIND TO DO IT EVERYDAY!" ....excercises!

I agree. You do NOT need the machine to get the good stretch. It may help (I don't know, I've never used them). BUT, a good set of stretches will trump just one stretch on the machine, that I believe.

Now, I prefer Paul Zaichik's book Elastic Steel to Tom Kurz' work, but that may be only because it is easier for me to understand. I can say that Zaichik outfits you with a complete system of stretching for the martial artist, he does not wish to be all things to all people.

I have found it to be worthwhile to use his method.




All the best with your practice,

Robert

[howard]

...what did Kurtz say against the stretching machines? Can you share?
He believes that they're unnecessary. He believes that you can get just as good results by stretching with no equipment. His results don't lie, but I disagree with him. IMO stretching machines can be helpful.

I think he's on much firmer ground when he argues against partner stretching, although I would never rule it out completely as he does. He thinks partner stretching is risky because your partner can't feel what you do, and may injure you.

True... but the key then is to use a partner who will be very careful and who has a feel for your level of flexibility.

[gkygrl]

It is interesting to read the two sides of the argument. For the meantime, I think I will try my own stretching program and see what I can accomplish.

[bigfootsquatch]

Permanent back injury?? Did you try to be a bit too aggressive from the outset? Just curious how this could happen????

Hope you are ok!

No I wasn't aggressive and was stretching after class so my body was well warmed up. I wasn't trying to force myself into a painful stretch or anything, just POP!!!

Regardless of my back(which does feel much better now), I still would not suggest getting one. "Secrets of Stretching" by Kurz is a great book if one really wants to improve their flexibility and strength by explaining when and which stretches to do. With the book, you save money, learn how to stretch properly, and you have to think about what you're doing and focus on the exercise instead of just sitting there hoping your muscles are getting stretched!!!!

and Thanks, my back feels pretty good so long as exercise and "work it out" daily. http://www.martialtalk.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

[bigfootsquatch]

FearlessFreep -- what did Kurtz say against the stretching machines? Can you share?

I'm just doing research on them now.

Thanks

This is what Kurz said about stretching machines(pg 113, Stretching Scientifically):

There is no need for using stretching machines. In relaxed stretches you can as easily relax into a stretch on a smooth floor. In isometric stretches, a machine will make it more difficult for you to tense your muscles because it prevents the weight of your body from pressing on your legs and thus forcing them to tense more. The harder you tense in isometric stretches the greater is the following relaxation and the resulting stretch.