Side Splits Stretching on Century Versaflex (Stretching Machine)

[Notoriousdsb]

Is that a different model? Mine came with just a single handle front but the side handles are built in so I don't have to take it out to stretch to the side.

[tlock2005]

@Notoriousdsb Not sure but I think you must have a different model to me.

[Notoriousdsb]

@tlock2005 = Looks like it, because my front handle is L shaped with the grip going upwards, not T shaped with grips on both sides.

[ammachi3]

Watching your video, I had an idea. Perhaps by wedging triangle wedges around the lower leg you could go over 200 degrees? But this would probably pop the hip...so be careful if you do! It’s something I will try if I buy this device and it lasts long enough to try!

[ammachi3]

@ammachi3 That’s if the components allow for any extra range beyond 190...

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 I'm happy with 180/190....for any more of a stretch I would only try it using phone books and some gravity. Plus the machine pretty much gets stuck once you go past 190.

[ammachi3]

@tlock2005 Shame...but I suppose the hips can only go so far!

[ammachi3]

@tlock2005 That's a shame...but I suppose the hips can only go so far, right!

[ammachi3]

@tlock2005 you know, I’m just wondering whether to buy this thing or not...because if you read some of the reviews on Amazon, some are really bad. It's a lot of money for something that might break and that you could probably do on your own with time.

What is you like if you apply lots of pressure? Does is always snap back? Is it dangerous when it does this? Have other people you know tried it with any success?

Cheers, Peter.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 I just think that when stretching on the floor or with phone books you can be in more control of the stretch and you can adjust things slightly as you feel for tension in different places. But with this machine you can specifically only sit upright in one position and stretch sideways and forwards using the handle bar thing. It's really nice to have the machine available to use whenever but I think with or without it the main thing needed to gain flexibility is regular and long stretch

[tlock2005]

@tlock2005 .....(continued) sessions.

To gain flexiblity I think one needs to stretch for a good hour or more on four or five different days each week. If I stretch for 10 mins or so it's enough to prepare me for training but it's nothing compared to the feeling I get from a one or two hour stretch session. I think generally the snap back isn't good for you...as I always want to move into stretches slowly and with control.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 I wouldn't say it's "dangerous" but it's definately not comfortable in any way (But the snap back doesn't happen all the time, for me anyway). I only know a couple of people that have had a machine and I think they were flexible already and the machine only assisted a bit.

To be completely honest I think the machine is irrelevant, it just assists with one stretching but the most important thing is that people KNOW how to stretch. Using breathing and genuinely aiming to relax

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 ...themselves mentally and physically. A good book that helped me with stretching methods was "Relax into stretch" by Pavel Tsatsouline. I always specifically stretch using a mix of completely relaxed stretching (where I hold a stretch for a long time without moving), dynamic stretching (from standing position, swinging the leg upwards) and tense-relax stretching (Tensing the specific area for 10 seconds then relaxing and repeat).

Luckily I've got to a point where I really ....

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 .....enjoy stretching so it doesn't feel like a chore for me when I do have stretching sessions.

The other thing is that to stretch out fully I always stretch in many different positions to focus on different areas specifically for a certain amount of time (Obviously this machine only allows for the basic box splits position). For instance, sometimes I might do something called a "frog stretch" or a "butterfly stretch".

If you haven't got much cash to burn at the moment I probably..

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 ...wouldn't get the machine..I would get Pavel Tsatsouline's book instead :)

[ammachi3]

@tlock2005 Yes…I think I will refrain from buying one of these devices…to do it with just the body allows for greater control and a deeper stretch. Besides, I’m only a inch or do from the floor know anyway. Thanks for the advice.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 You're welcome Peter.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3

I would say the only other thing I don't like is that it's not long enough for your legs so your feet hang off, therefore reducing the stretch down the backs of your legs. Really, your legs should always be locked out straight when stretching. When I have time, to solve this issue I'll probably put a pile of phone books either side to prop my feet up.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3

Also, I should say that I still personally like it just for sitting and relaxing in position sometimes.

Sometimes when you sit with legs apart on the floor, your legs feel like they want to slide inwards by themselves so I really like to sit and relax with something locking my legs in position properly.

[ammachi3]

Hello... thanks for the upload...good to see the device close up...may I ask if you have had any problems with this device? I have heard that the teeth wear away quickly and it slips when you try to pull the crank to widen the spread. Is this true? Any, other problems? Also...when you brought the device how far progressed were you? How did it help?

I’m thinking of buying the Century Versaflex myself, you see...and any feedback would be great if you can spare the time.

Peace, Peter.

[tlock2005]

@ammachi3 I bought this device second hand and was warned straight away that the teeth had worn a bit and sometimes slip as a result. It's a bit annoying but you can use one hand to keep the catch pressed down (This only happens occasionally).

I would say that the manufacturers Century should have been less lazy when designing the cog system etc. When I bought it, I could do the splits already so I actually can't say that it's made much difference to my flexibility.

[ammachi3]

@tlock2005 Thanks for the reply. Yes, what you have said seems to be common among buyers. Apparently, the alloy the cog is made is low grade, so the teeth on it wear away under pressure. I’m only maybe 110- 120 degrees out in my seated splits. So who knows how long the teeth may last? Yeah, the length issue is bizarre, unless they modelled the designs on midgets? : ) How effective is it for hamstrings then? I’m also intrigued by the forward bend handle. Is that effective?

[lifewithckd]

Take my advice and kick that machine to the kerb they are no good...I have been beyound 180 many times then one night I popped my hip it took me 2 years to recover from that .I would never use a machine again.......There are much better ways to stretch.......and you don't need a partner to stretch...you should stretch by yourself always..........

[tlock2005]

@lifewithckd Okay, in terms of the hip issue, one could avoid going beyond 180 to prevent a hip joint from popping. But did you have any other specific issues with stretching machines ?

This makes me think you should do more stretching tutorials yourself :)

[ammachi3]

@lifewithckd Wow...hip popping sounds really bad...how did it happen exactly?

[gnostie]

Pretty silly, really. If you have tight and painful gracilis, this and similar devices are of no use. And if you don't have the gracilis problem, then this gadget is also useless because you'll get into splits on your own, without any mechanical devices.

[tlock2005]

@gnostie Yeah, I agree these devices aren't perfect. But luckily I could do the splits before buying the thing. I wanted it simply to hold me in position so I can completely relax myself...as I don't have the luxury of a training partner that's available to help me stretch 24/7.

Main problem I have with this stretching machine is that it's not long enough and my feet hang off at the edge. I wanted to put a pile of phone books at either side to prop my feet up..but haven't got round to that yet.