Customer Reviews

LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The LifeSpan Stretch Partner is a machine I use in conjunction with other stretching devices to maintain flexibility. I am 58-years-old and being flexible become more important each passing year. A person could do the same routine from the floor and without the machine, but I have found that having it provides more motivation. My only complaint would be that this machine seems to be designed for a woman or smaller-than-average person.

I learned about this device at a Chiropractor visit. He had three of the devices, and encouraged those waiting "adjustments" to stretch. (He did provide initial training guidance on it!) He recommended (to me) that I strongly consider purchase of this device, especially as I am a cyclist, and riding a road bike for extended periods does cause some body stresses. So, I bought one! Assembly was simple. (I had my son assemble it!) I use the device EVERYDAY. I am confident that it has been excellent for me, especially in the back, hip, and glutes stretches, all of which suffer in varying degrees when I ride. The price of the device is steep, but actually is half the cost of similar devices I have seen in gyms, YMCAs, etc.

I have some chronic lower back issues so I'm often on the lookout for "solutions". I use the Precor 240i stretch machine at the YMCA but the price point is just too high for a collection of aluminum pipes, a seat and handle bars. The LifeSpan SP1000 arrived at my door. Box was a bit beat up...so it was handled a bit roughly by someone along the way. Some smaller parts were scattered throughout the box so I was concerned something might be missing. Assembly was made more difficult by poor instructions but if you have even average mechanical skills its nothing to put together. You may need a helper to hold things for you. All parts, tools were included. The build quality on hardware is as good as Precor, although the seat and knee platforms aren't as well made. However they are more than adequate for home use. With the addition of a torquing joint at the base of the handlebar post you actually can do a few stretches that can't effectively done with the Precor. I can do a circuit of stretching in less than 10 minutes if I'm in a hurray so I'm happy. The design and workmanship are good. I'm 5'11" and have no problem with the size so I'm unsure what the commentary about it being for smaller person is referring to. I had an issue with the cross bar that attaches to the base of the handlebar post...it was welded off-center. I contacted LifeSpan and they sent me a new one after an email, phone call, and photograph I attached to email showing flaw. So, customer service would get a top rating from me based on that action. This is a solid investment in your health. Get one.

I tried out the precor version at the YMCA and loved the idea of systematic way to stretch my legs and hips with assistance. The Precor machine was too expensive but the Life Span accomplishes exactly the same thing for much less. It is solidly built and easy to assemble.I love that the Amazon Prime membership makes shipping to my doorstep free.

After reading other reviews about this piece of equipment, I expected it to be more like the Precore I have used at the gym in the past. This is a nice piece of equipment, but I was surprised to find that the front piece moves. It is not bad, it is just different. Also, I read that it might not fit a tall person- my boyfriend is 6'6" and he uses it just fine.

This machine helps me get a great stretching workout in 20 minutes. It is comfortable and allows me to easily isolate muscle groups. I feel that the LifeSpan Fitness Stretch Partner will help me develop greater flexibility in a way that is less stressful than using a mat and a balance beam.

Unfortunately, 18 months after purchase, the handlebars have begun to bend. It will cost about $60 to repair via mail order direct with the manufacturer.

LifeSpan Fitness SP1000 Stretch Machine

I bought this machine because I used another one made by Precor at my gym and loved it!! I started a home gym and had to have this piece of equipment as part of my gym. The Precor model was outside of my budget so I purchased this one instead.

Stretching after a workout is somewhat of a chore for me and I would sometimes forget muscle groups that I had worked out. This machine comes with a chart of all major muscle groups and walks you through a program. I stretch for about 10-15 minutes after each workout and feel great afterwards and much less sore the following days after a workout. My lower back and glutes are the areas the needs the most attention and this works so well there!

The LifeSpan stretch partner works just as effective as the Precor and provides a great stretch partner at about 60 percent of the price of a Precor stretch partner. The only difference in the two machines is the LifeSpan front handle pier with the handle bar is designed to flex from the base frame as you stretch which seems to makes it a little easier as you start stretching. The seat and knee pad on the LifeSpan (vinyl encasing foam padded hardboard) is not as rugged as the molded seat and knee pad on the Precor stretch partner but, if you are using it at home and not putting it in a gym where dozens per day will use and abuse it, the LifeSpan should last a lifetime. Easy to assemble in less than 15 minutes with tools provided.

Unless your ego has to have the Precor name on everything in your home gym, buy the LifeSpan and use the dollars you save on this stretch partner to purchase a quality Precor treadmill or bike.

Outstanding exercise machine. Has eliminated or reduced lower back pain and stiffness in joints. 2 a day, 10 minute workouts have increased flexibility greatly.

The LifeSpan Fitness Stretch machine is a wonderfully stable machine. It is hard to believe such a compact machine can be so sturdy and do so much. The stretching uses the body's own weight for mild resistance to build strength along with flexibility. This type of stretching encourages better posture which enables better breathing. My 80-year-old husband uses it after he walks to warm up. Very life-enhancing.