LifeSpan SP1000 Stretch Partner Stretching Machine

58 y/o playing sports all the time adds to someone always sore and always with stiff parts. Not to mention my extremely tight hamstrings. I receive at least one massage a week many times more. This machine is a good addition to my body wellness.I recently purchased one after taking a bike fall and my back has remained "bound up". This machine has done wonders! I played a tennis tournament this weekend and was very sore/stiff. I hopped on this daily and felt much better. I've been using it one week and can already tell a difference.Do you really need this? No. But this machine makes the stretches quickly and with better pressure. Assembly was pretty easy even for a village idiot like me.I recommend this machine for those needing a good stretch with limited time or interested in better instruction and technique.

I really wanted this to work out well. I was not flexible as a young person so now I am older, I am really inflexible. I've focused on stretching for many years now. At some of the gyms I frequent, there is the Precor equivalent of this machine and I've considered buying that one, but the price always stopped me. So when I saw this machine on a Black Friday Special, I jumped at the chance to buy it.I will say this - the stretches work well, although about half of those illustrated have nothing to do with the machine and are do-able without the machine. I am 5' 9", and I think some taller folks might have issues with the positioning of the seat. I echo the comments that the seat padding is a little flimsy compared to the Precor and overall, it is not as sturdy or stable. But then again, you get what you pay for sometimes.My real issue - the two star issue - is that the item was wobbly. There is a little support piece welded where the two main beams join to form a 'T' in front and it was not properly centered. As a result, the unit does not sit on the floor with all 4 legs touching the ground. It's possible that this was corrected as both machines I tried (before returning them) had the same problem and their serial numbers were only 50 apart. When I called the manufacturer, they wanted pictures proving that this occurred and proof that my floor was level. I had tested this machine in three different floors at my house, so I was on pretty solid ground (pun intended, sorry) . As I had already spent hours assembling, tearing down, reassembling, calling customer service and troubleshooting two machines, I just said no, I'll return it to Amazon. Amazon was great with the returns - both times.Will probably try the expensive Precor at this point, because I like the idea of getting the good stretch every day.

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.

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.

I was trying to save a little money by getting this less expensive version of this stretching machine. I got what I paid for. My dad has the $800, better stretcher. His feels much more stable.The LifeSpan does NOT have a fixed pole where the handle is. Instead, it is a two-piece pole with a hinge in the middle and it flexes on a rubber stopper. As you start to lean back to do the various stretching exercises, the handle bar bounces a little and give you the sensation that you're going to fall backward. I hate it. And I don't see the purpose of the movement. I much prefer the solid, stable handlebar pole on the other brand.After putting it all together and tossing out the box, I'm too lazy to return it. So, it will sit in my garage until I find someone who wants it. Bummer.