Stretching strap or rope: Use these nylon bands (Dynamic Stretching
Strap or Stretch-Out Strap) when using the Active Isolated method of
stretching (see Chapter 6). For $15 to $30 (including a video), you may
want to own one, especially if you’re too stiff to get into certain stretch-
ing poses. For example, if you’re sitting on the floor with one leg out and
you can’t reach your toes, you wrap the strap around your instep and
hold a loop in each hand. After holding that position for a while, if you
can stretch a little farther, you can let your hands creep up to the loop
that’s slightly closer to your toes. You can also buy a length of yachting
rope at your local hardware store. Just buy a length twice your height.
The Prostretch: This gadget is for stretching your calf and shin muscles
and the sides of your ankles. The Prostretch is a shoe imprint cast in
hard plastic and mounted on one or two curved rockers (wider versions
of the rockers you find on rocking chairs). You place your foot on the
imprint and drop your heel back toward the floor. Your toes point upward,
giving you a terrific calf stretch. If you’re not very flexible, you can do
this stretch while sitting down. Because the Prostretch supports your
entire foot, you get a better calf stretch than if you just hang your feet
off the curb, although most curbs won’t run you $25.
Precor Stretch Trainer: This gizmo is a seat with handlebars and tilting
capabilities so that you can lean backward and forward into a stretch. A
combination of your body weight and gravity helps control the intensity
of the stretch. By switching arm and leg positions, you can stretch nearly
every muscle in your body without getting out of the seat. For example,
to stretch your hamstrings, you place your leg up on the front of the seat
and then lean back. (This mimics the stretch you do on the floor when
you place one leg out in front of you then reach for your toe.) The han-
dlebars have wrist straps so that you don’t go flying backward if you
lose your balance. The gadget also has an adjustable safety pin to pre-
vent less-than-graceful mounts.
At $700, the Stretch Trainer isn’t cheap, but it’s helpful for people who
have trouble getting on and off the floor gracefully. It lets you stretch
effectively without having to ask three close friends to help you
stand up when you’re done stretching. Visit the manufacturer’s site at
http://www.precor.com.
Chapter 20: Designing a Home Gym 325