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The Precor 240i StretchTrainer™ is one of the most popular full-body stretch machines on the market, with full support for seated stretches.
But how does it compare to similar home gym equipment, like the LifeSpan SP1000?
In this review we’ll look at how the Precor 240i can be used to improve flexibility and movement in your muscles and joints. We also included a video showing the 240i used in a stretch workout, which includes stretches for your arms, back, legs, and shoulders.
Ergonomic Design Features
The Precor 240i StretchTrainer is a full body stretch machine designed to target each of your major muscle groups. This includes the hamstrings, upper and lower back, glutes, hips, legs, and shoulders.
An instructional placard is mounted to the front of the machine, which highlights 8 important stretches, complete with diagrams. This can be used as a quick reference guide to create your own unique stretching workouts at home.
A wide base and steel frame give you the confidence needed to perform deep stretching exercises and improve your flexibility. This is in addition to the secure wrists straps attached to the base of the handles.
The Precor 240i is naturally a very safe piece of equipment to use, as your bodyweight is the only resistance. The pivoting seat means this is all it takes to enjoy a deep stretch in your back and shoulders.
With the seat folded out of the way, you also have more space to perform standing stretches for your quads. Unfortunately, there’s no removable calf board, which means your options for calf stretches are limited.
If you do a lot of running and need to stretch your calves after a workout, the Nitrofit Limber Pro could be a better option. This is one of the few full body stretching machines that comes with an adjustable calf stretch station.
Stretching in Comfort
As with most stretch equipment, the Precor 240i features a padded seat and back support. This is to guarantee you remain comfortable and supported throughout the exercise.
The fact that most of these are seated stretches is also a huge bonus. There’s no need to lie on a floor mat and rely on different resistance bands to stretch your muscles. You can simply sit on the seat and use your bodyweight to control the intensity and duration of each stretch.
Precor 240i StretchTrainer – Product Summary
- 8 core stretch exercises, targeting your lower back, shoulders, upper back, glutes and hips, inner thighs, and quadriceps
- Cushioned seat and knee pads
- Coated handlebars for a comfortable grip
- Wrist straps for added safety and improved stretch control
- Placard attached to the frame explaining the best stretch positions
- Compact footprint for easy storage when not in use
- Dimensions: 52″L x 28″W x 36″H
- Product weight: 60 lbs
- Warranty: 5 years on the frame
Ease of Assembly
Perhaps the most obvious reason to buy Precor is the quality. Not just the build quality of the fitness equipment you’re buying, but the overall customer service and clarity of assembly instructions.
The Precor 240i StretchTrainer is no different.
Most stretching machines are supplied with poorly written instructions and confusing diagrams. But the user manual for the 240i explains everything clearly, from how to use the wrist straps, to their clearly written assembly instructions.
Click here to view the Precor 240i StretchTrainer assembly manual.
Each step is clearly written, and many are accompanied by a full color image. There’s even a quick-reference parts checklist at the beginning, so you can check you have everything before getting started.
Precor offer a professional assembly service for their equipment, but the timescale isn’t always ideal. At the time of writing this review, Precor had an average waiting time of around 3.5 weeks.
It’s worth checking with Precor to see if the StretchTrainer is available under this service. Packaging and delivery is usually around $79 for the stretch machine.
Exercise Options
If you’ve never used a stretch machine before, you might be wondering how to stretch correctly using the Precor 240i.
Leg stretch machines, like the Century Versaflex or Valor Fitness CA-27 are basic, but effective. All you need to do is sit in the seat with your legs on the pads, then crank the handle or steering control until you reach the desired stretch position.
But machines like the 240i deliver a completely different stretching experience. You can still isolate individual muscles, only now you’re not limited to stretching your hamstrings and inner thighs.
Instructions for how to effectively stretch major muscle groups can be found in the user manual, as well as the placard mounted on the handlebars.
Muscle groups targeted by each stretch on the display:
- 1. Lower back
- 2. Hamstrings
- 3. Gluteals, Hips
- 4. Hips, Legs, Back
- 5. Inner Thighs, Groin
- 6. Upper Back
- 7. Shoulders
- 8. Quadriceps
Precor have also included a complete list of guidelines for for both Active and Static stretching at home. Static stretches are held for 30 seconds, while active stretches are performed in 1-2 sets of 5-10 repetitions for 1-2 seconds each.
Warranty
- 5 years on the frame
- 2 years on parts
- 90 days on upholstery
What Do the Precor 240i Reviews Say?
The Precor 240i StretchTrainer is one of the most versatile and effective stretch machines on the market. However, it’s also one of the most expensive, with a price tag that’s usually around $700.
So, before you decide if it’s the best machine for you, it’s worth looking at what other customers have said about their experience.
Reading through each of these reviews in-full can be time-consuming, which is why we aggregated the pros and cons from each of the Precor 240i reviews on Amazon, then compiled the lists below.
Pros:
- More convenient to use than machines at commercial gyms or a chiropractor’s office
- Sturdy frame design
- Supports deep stretching for the back and hips
- Improves flexibility
- Can alleviate pain in the lower back
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Excellent customer service from Precor
- Same high quality design that’s found in many health clubs
Cons:
- Not as cheap as some full body stretch machines
Precor 240i Review Summary
Overall Review Rating
4.5 / 5
It's easy to see why the Precor 240i StretchTrainer is such a popular piece of equipment for deep muscle stretching at home. Ergonomically correct stretching positions ensure you remain comfortable throughout your workout, yet still improve your flexibility.
The placard is also a convenient guide for choosing the best stretch exercises, or if you want to update your stretching routine.
As for the warranty, it's one of the best we've seen for a stretch device, and testament to the high level of build quality from Precor.
Although the price is a little higher than some full body stretch machines, you're paying for peace of mind. Customer service is excellent and the overall review rating on Amazon is exceptional.
So, if you're looking for an alternative to stretching on floor mats, with seated and standing stretch positions suitable for all age groups, we highly recommend the Precor 240i.
Weight capacity: Product dimensions: 52"(L) x 28"(W) x 36"(H) Product weight: 60 lbsRelated articles:
Stretching Machine Reviews: Best Home Stretching Machines 2017
Century Versaflex Stretching Machine Review
TMAS Pro Leg Stretcher Machine Review
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