Can a Leg Stretcher Machine Give You Better Kicks?

by Shawn Longmore | Last Updated: August 9, 2021

Why is stretching necessary for mixed martial arts (MMA) and boxing?

The number one reason it’s important is that it increases flexibility and reduces the chances of injury, but do you need a leg stretcher machine for the best results? We’ll discuss this more in the next section below. Just know, stretching is the best way to increase your joints’ range of motion, ease muscle tension and soreness after a workout, and enhance athletic performance before, during, and after workouts.

The main reason why many martial artists perform stretches before they begin to train is that it helps prepare them for long and intense workouts. Any martial artist could tell you that their training sessions can be one of the most exhausting things in their lives, and stretching beforehand can increase their stamina.

Most martial artists like to stretch their legs more than other body parts to create less resistance when throwing a kick. More flexibility in the legs equals less restriction when kicking, translating into better techniques and faster moves.

Do you need a leg stretching machine?

Not really, but it helps. Many people will tell you they don’t need a leg stretcher machine because they can stretch themselves well enough without one, but there are many reasons why pushing yourself is more challenging than using an actual device to get the same sort of stretch.

For one, the machine can help you focus on your muscle groups. Using just your body to stretch, you may not always reach your entire range of motion, so it’s not always as effective. Plus, these machines are great if you’re stretching to do a split.

Another reason is that leg stretchers allow you to stretch a lot farther than getting the same stretch by yourself. When using your body weight, you will be able to get a range of motion for most muscles adequately, but if there is a specific point you want to push past, it’s probably pretty tough (if not impossible) to do it just by yourself. A leg stretching machine can help move the muscles a lot further.

How do leg stretchers work?

Leg stretching machines have many different forms, so how they work depends on the specific device you are using. Most of them will require you to sit down in a chair-like seat with your legs out to each side. Next, you’ll move your legs further to your sides by pulling on a separate handle until you feel like you’ve reached your limit.

Other leg stretchers only use gravity against you by lowering one of your legs down into a v-shaped groove while still keeping the other leg up. Gravity and the weight of your body will help stretch one of your legs down towards the ground, allowing you to feel a much deeper stretch in this leg than what you would usually get with just your body against gravity itself.

What should I look for when shopping for a stretching machine?

When you’re shopping for a leg stretcher, there are five main things to consider which are helpful.

• Toughness – Make sure they are strong enough to hold your weight. If the machine is too weak and flimsy, it will fold when you put any force against it, which could be a problem.
• Adjustability – Make sure it can be adjusted to fit you (height and leg length). If it is too short or too long for your body, it will lose effectiveness and feel like you’re not stretching properly.
• Ease of use – It should be easy to set up and use, especially if it’s a brand new product (as opposed to used). If it takes too long or is difficult to get started with, then you may give up on using the machine altogether.
• Price – A leg stretcher doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, as long as it is durable and can adequately do its job. The price increases depending on whether it is portable or has resistance features that help to tone your muscles. The average price range can be as low as $30 to as high as $200 or more. Sure, it’s a lot of money to shell out for something like this, but it’s worth it in the long run.
• Safety – Make sure it won’t break when you put too much pressure against it. You want to safely stretch out your muscles and not worry about the safety of your equipment failing on you.

Top 2 leg stretching machines

Now that we’ve covered the five primary considerations, let’s look at the two most popular brands available. I’ve listed each one below based on the highest popularity and lowest price.

Best Overall – Valor Fitness CA-27 Leg Stretcher

One of the most popular leg stretching machines out there with high popularity among martial artists. This machine has a lot to offer at a very reasonable price. This model holds up to 270 pounds, is easy to set up and use, and provides lots of room for your legs when they are in use.

Valor Fitness Leg Stretcher

$10.06

With the ability to expand over 180 degrees, you will improve your athletic performance whether you prefer yoga, mixed martial arts (MMA), or any other sport by relieving tense muscles in your back, legs, and glutes!

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02/17/2024 08:08 pm GMT

Best Price – AmazeFan Leg Stretcher

Thi stretcher is one of the cheapest models that you can buy. Of course, it’s cheap, but it works just as well as all the other options I’ve reviewed on the web. In addition, you can quickly adjust this device to multiple lengths with its quick clips.

AmazeFan Leg Stretcher

$10.06

3 Bar Leg Split Stretching Machine. Each pole has six holes that you adjust to find the perfect, comfortable stretching length level or increase it to get a deeper stretch.

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02/17/2024 08:08 pm GMT

What muscles should you stretch?

Stretching your legs is great, but you should push all your muscles. The following list will help you get started with increased flexibility. In addition, stretching the muscle groups listed below will help avoid injury while fighting or training in any sport. You can do different types of stretches for each of the listed body parts below, but my favorite is fascia or active stretches, which are covered a little further down in this article.

4 Types of Stretching

A foam roller or small ball can help break up any tight knots in your muscle tissue and improve the stretch. Remember, the key is not to be too aggressive with this type of stretching because you can overdo it, which can be harmful.

To start, try and use a foam roller or small ball to apply pressure on the leg muscle you’re stretching. Do this every day for a couple of minutes and add a minute every few days. Eventually, you can move up to 10 minutes of fascia stretching. Before a workout, I usually roll out or do a small ball routine to help get the blood moving into my muscles and loosen them up without overstretching.

Normal

Typical stretches are performed with an extended limb and involve bearing down on the stretched muscle until reaching a passive range of motion. Perform this type of stretch after other stretches, and light movement has warmed up your muscles. This type of stretching on cold muscles can cause injury.

Active

Active stretching is stretching where you move your limb or body part through its range of motion to increase flexibility. You should also perform Active stretches after the muscles have warmed up.

Active isolated (aka Fascia Stretches)

These are my favorite kinds of stretches. Isolate a specific muscle and work through its range of motion—the most effective form of stretching for improving flexibility, in my opinion. The number of videos on YouTube where people demo these stretches is pretty significant. I’ve included some great videos of fascia stretches from YouTube below.

Passive

As its name suggests, you are completely relaxed during a passive stretch and allow your limb or body part to get deeper into its range of motion. It would be best to use passive stretches with regular and active stretching to help increase flexibility even more.

Video examples to get you started

Great Muay Thai Warm Up & Leg Stretching Routine

This is a great video I found on YouTube which covers Muay Thai techniques for warming up and stretching.

Dynamic Leg Stretching for High Kicks

Here’s another excellent video on dynamic stretching which is great for warming up and reaching maximum flexibility.

Stretching your legs isn’t fun. It’s boring as hell. But it is effective at helping you maintain a healthier lifestyle and can help prevent more serious injuries later on in life.

Flexibility and Range of Motion can decrease dramatically with age. However, studies show that more flexible people have healthier aging processes than those without flexibility in their muscles. Flexibility is also directly related to the prevention of joint and muscle strains.

The human body is a beautiful thing, and you should adequately take care of it. It’s probably not something you’re thinking about now, but when you’re 50 years old (if you live that long), you’re going to wish you would have stretched more.

So don’t be the guy with a bad back from years of neglecting his health. Instead, stretch today and live healthy for tomorrow!

‘My stretches are very simple, and I use a lacrosse ball or roller for most of them.’ – Bruce Lee.

I hope you found this article helpful in choosing whether to buy a leg stretcher or not. If this article was helpful, please consider buying through one of our links above to help support our site. You may also like our articles on MMA gloves and mouthguards if you’re buying new or replacing old gear. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Shawn Longmore is the founder of VIP Fighter and an avid martial arts enthusiast. He enjoys writing articles and reviews related to self defense training and gear. His mission is to make it easy to find training information and gear in one spot. Each year he continues to help more people find great deals and quality products on the web.