What is the Best Splits Machine? Top Picks to Master the Splits in Record Time
If you're here looking for the best splits machine to help you finally master the splits - you're well ahead of the curve.
Because a splits machine can be so very useful - even life changing - and yet most of the world has no clue that it even exists. And most of us need it more than ever.
Our society has recently been afflicted with an unhealthy phenomenon known as the “sitting disease,” thanks to the evolution of convenience and technology. The problem is that the sedentary lifestyles that modern life has accustomed us to is keeping us from being our healthiest selves.
We often focus on cardio and strength training when we try to improve our health, but flexibility and mobility alike are extremely important - whether you like to stretch or not! There are a lot of misconceptions about stretching and flexibility, and the ‘unknown’ around it often makes people neglect it all together.
Which is a huge mistake since doing the splits isn't just pretty - it comes with a bevy of amazing benefits.
Benefits of Doing the Splits
So what's so great about doing the splits anyway? Well, we all know it looks amazing but vanity isn't the only reason to get this deep stretch.
There is a lot of debate in the fitness community around how/when/why to stretch, but the benefits of having great range of motion as well as optimal flexibility can’t be refuted. Luckily, there is a lot more awareness around this topic now than there ever has been, along with a lot more options to work on your personal flexibility practice.
One of those really cool, helpful tools is the splits machine. It is what it sounds like - a machine that helps you stretch tight hip flexors and groin muscles to work on getting into a full split. But why would you want to adopt that position anyway? Here's why...
Improves every workout
Ask any practicing yogi and they'll tell you that the split is the holy grail of a yoga practice. Everyone wants to do a split, but for most, it is incredibly difficult. And this isn’t exclusive to yogis - a strong flexibility practice is crucial for martial artists, dancers, and functional athletes, too.
So, what’s so great about doing splits anyway? Doing splits - or working toward the ability to do a split - shows that you have mastered a full range of motion in your hips and groin.
Lack of restrictions
While it’s fairly obvious that martial artists need this ability in their practice (imagine trying to do a roundhouse kick with tight groin muscles!), it may be less intuitive as to why others need that full range of motion.
But the truth is, anyone who participates in fitness endeavors will perform better when they work on their flexibility and are not restricted by tight muscles.
One example is a runner - especially a sprinter. If you are afflicted by tight hip flexors, then you will experience pain and possibly even injury while trying to run - not to mention slower performance times!
Even if you are just lifting weights, your ability to lift heavier loads will decrease if you suffer from flexibility and mobility issues (think: trying to squat a heavy max weight by having tight hips!).
A machine helps get you there
While there is some debate about whether flexibility is best achieved with or without a machine, the unique advantage that the stretch machine for splits offers is the stability and comfortability it extends during your stretch session. It should be noted, however, that using a splits machine to assist in the development of your flexibility should not replace dynamic and active stretching, but instead, be used in conjunction with those drills.
Using a split machine allows users to engage in isometric stretching; that describes the action of holding a position for a long amount of time. To get the best results from isometric stretching, one needs to be fully relaxed - which is much easier to do on a stretch machine for splits.
What's the Best Splits Machine? Our Top Picks (And Why)
So now that you’re ready to improve your flexibility and finally master your split, it’s good to see what options you have and what the best splits machines are. Here’s a curated list of what we think is great…and what we think is just good!
Kwon Leg stretching machine
The Kwon offers a sturdy, well-designed piece of equipment that allows its users to stretch beyond 180 degrees. It has a steering wheel mechanism in the center of it that allows minor and gradual adjustments to ensure users don’t go too far, too fast. This machine also has adjustable back support.
Its nicely padded backrest makes for a comfortable experience, despite being in a slightly uncomfortable stretch! Tall users needn’t worry, as it can easily accommodate users over 6’. The suggested weight limit is 235 pounds.
This product consists of a quick release lever, two position stretching arm and stretching handles on each thigh.
One really great perk about this product is the degree indicator which will chart stretching progress. There is also a quick release lever and multi position thigh pads. If you are a beginner then this is a great product for you! This product is great for beginners as versatility has been built in to assist you.
There will be some assembly required on arrival but nothing too hard! Goodluck!
This is the most uniquely designed piece of equipment out of the group of reviews here; the I Mawan requires you to sit on the floor and put either end of it on our feet while working on opening up the hip flexors into a split. The I Mawan is also collapsable, which is great - so you will be able to pack it away when not needed.
This product is great, that it's way less expensive than the others reviewed. It definitely offers a great stretching experience with 180 degrees to open and close, but you’ll need to have a strong core and good back to handle sitting on the floor and using it (although, to be fair, you could sit against a wall.) No padding means less comfort!
If you’re already a strong athlete, then you likely won’t be worried about that. It does offer up to five levels of stretches and, there’s no height/weight requirement, thanks to the intuitive design! This machine can also be used handsfree too. This is a great splits machine that will tremendously help improve flexibility.
Adjustable Leg Stretching Band
This Leg stretching band, is made from high grade materials making it very strong and user friendly.
This product makes stretching easier, the materials used for the door attachment are very soft and secure therefore leaving no metal damage. The door anchor stretching band is used by closing the door and then by pulling the stretching strap through the D ring you have your leg stretching band.
There are two different loops for adjusting depending on your height. This band does not require much storage space and very easy to use.
This product can be used for anyone looking to train their legs to be more flexible and/or do the splits. This product is suitable for many different sort athletes - Yoga, Ballet, Dancing, Gymnastics Cheerleads, Taekwondo, MMA. Can be carried everywhere and completely portable!
Let us know how you get on by leaving a comment below!