Posted by: Chris Wissmann
Types of Stretching Machines - 10/31/05 09:36 AM
I'm getting ready to buy a stretching machine as a Thanksgiving present for myself. I know that stretching machines aren’t perfect (I’ve read the other threads on this topic), but I think one would make my television and reading time a little more physically productive.
Right now I'm looking at the Flex180 (see it at http://flex180.com), the MTI/Swift Royal Wheel Stretcher (http://www.superfoots.com/superfoot/wheelstretcher.html), and the Century Versaflex (http://www.superfoots.com/superfoot/newimve.html). Each seem to have advantages and disadvantages, aside from those inherent in stretching machines. I’m hoping to get some comparisons and contrasts from those who have used them.
The bottom line, though, is that I have a very small house, and do not have room for dedicated exercise equipment. The machine must double as furniture. I have to be able to sit back in the thing to read and watch TV, as if it were a chase lounge/recliner. I doubt that the rollers that form the seat-back on the Flex180 will cut it. The seats on the other two only come up to the small of the back. I need a seat-back that will support my head in a reclined position— a little more than two feet tall. And I need a seat that will recline.
Do the seats for the Flex180, MTI/Swift, or Versaflex tilt back into a reclined position?
Does anyone know if seats from other exercise equipment, more appropriate for my needs, will fit on any of these machines? How hard would it be to rig a taller seat-back into these machines? (Keep in mind that I’m not a carpenter or welder.)
I was able to get ahold of a rep for Century, who says that their company makes no taller seat-backs that would fit the Versaflex. I have an email out to the folks who make the Flex180. But I can’t find the manufacturer of the MTI/Swift Royal Wheel Stretcher (which seems to be marketed under other names). Does anyone have this machine, and if so, did it come with a manual that has the manufacturer’s (preferably American) phone number or web address?
How long are the "legs" on these machines? Inevitably, the people in the promotional photos have their feet are dangling off the end of the things. Seems uncomfortable and just too short to be practical as furniture.
Does the Flex180 or MTI/Swift measure the degree angle of the stretch as the Versaflex does?
Finally, does anyone know of another machine that might better suits my needs and where I can buy one?
Please let me know!
Right now I'm looking at the Flex180 (see it at http://flex180.com), the MTI/Swift Royal Wheel Stretcher (http://www.superfoots.com/superfoot/wheelstretcher.html), and the Century Versaflex (http://www.superfoots.com/superfoot/newimve.html). Each seem to have advantages and disadvantages, aside from those inherent in stretching machines. I’m hoping to get some comparisons and contrasts from those who have used them.
The bottom line, though, is that I have a very small house, and do not have room for dedicated exercise equipment. The machine must double as furniture. I have to be able to sit back in the thing to read and watch TV, as if it were a chase lounge/recliner. I doubt that the rollers that form the seat-back on the Flex180 will cut it. The seats on the other two only come up to the small of the back. I need a seat-back that will support my head in a reclined position— a little more than two feet tall. And I need a seat that will recline.
Do the seats for the Flex180, MTI/Swift, or Versaflex tilt back into a reclined position?
Does anyone know if seats from other exercise equipment, more appropriate for my needs, will fit on any of these machines? How hard would it be to rig a taller seat-back into these machines? (Keep in mind that I’m not a carpenter or welder.)
I was able to get ahold of a rep for Century, who says that their company makes no taller seat-backs that would fit the Versaflex. I have an email out to the folks who make the Flex180. But I can’t find the manufacturer of the MTI/Swift Royal Wheel Stretcher (which seems to be marketed under other names). Does anyone have this machine, and if so, did it come with a manual that has the manufacturer’s (preferably American) phone number or web address?
How long are the "legs" on these machines? Inevitably, the people in the promotional photos have their feet are dangling off the end of the things. Seems uncomfortable and just too short to be practical as furniture.
Does the Flex180 or MTI/Swift measure the degree angle of the stretch as the Versaflex does?
Finally, does anyone know of another machine that might better suits my needs and where I can buy one?
Please let me know!