Is Paying for a Stretching App Worth It?
Being able to perform the splits and nail a backbend are certainly impressive feats, but stretching offers so much more than that. Besides making you look and feel majestic, stretching has some incredible health benefits for your body.
In fact, regular stretching can increase blood flow to your muscles, decrease possible injuries, and enhance your range of motion. So, how do you go about incorporating it into your daily routine? Mobile apps that focus on stretching are a great place to start.
Giving Stretching Apps a Try
There are many first-rate smartphone apps available that can give you that little bit of motivation to start practicing stretching. On the whole, stretching apps provide routines and workouts based on your level of flexibility along with video or audio guidance.
Stretching apps are convenient, foolproof, and readily available at all times. What’s more, most of them are pretty affordable, too. Pliability, for instance, is an idealapp that can boost your mobility, as it features a mobility test that can tell you how mobile different parts of your body are.
On the other hand, Yoga for Beginners is perfect for those who would like to combine both yoga and stretching. And if you’re looking for the ultimate, all-in-one stretchingapp to improve your flexibility, thenStretchItis an excellent option. But if you want to start stretching regularly, is it worth it to sign up for a paid subscription to a stretching app, or is it better to simply go about it on your own?
The StretchIt App and Online Platform
Part of the reason why StretchIt is such a well-rounded app is that it can teach you to do a variety of different splits and poses. This is anapp that can help you become more flexible—but that’s not all.
What makes StretchIt unique from other stretching apps is that it also offers an extensive library of stretching classes to benefit your health. Some of the health-related stretching programs that StretchIt offers aim to relieve pain and stiffness, improve sleep, increase hip mobility, and prevent injuries. Does that make it worth paying for?
Download:StretchIt foriOS|Android(Free, subscription available)
Getting Started With StretchIt
Sure, you can use the StretchIt app or online platform without a subscription, but you won’t be able to make the most out of it. If you want to gain access to all the classes, challenges, and programs, it’s recommended that you choose a monthly or yearly plan and sign up.
If you’re worried you won’t like StretchIt, there is a seven-day free trial and a bunch of free classes to take advantage of. Below is what you can expect from StretchIt if you decide to sign up.
StretchIt Programs
StretchIt boasts a nice variety of stretching programs that can last as long as 90 days or as few as 7 days. The program you choose essentially depends on your level of skill, what you want to achieve, and how much time you have to dedicate to stretching.
If all you want out of a stretching app is to learn how to touch the floor, try the beginner-friendly,14-Day Touch Your Toes Challenge. Speaking of challenges, StretchIt also offers a community challenge that you could register and join at no extra cost.
Some other fun challenges from StretchIt you might be interested in are the30-Day Backbending Challengeand the30-Day Middle Split Challenge.
Besides the ordinary flexibility programs StretchIt has to offer, there is also a range of health programs. These programs can help you improve mobility, relieve stiffness, alleviate back pain, and simply remain healthy in general.
StretchIt Classes
StretchIt classes are divided into six sections—Full Body Stretch, Legs and Front Splits, Back and Shoulders, Hips and Middle Split, Extra Active Stretch, and Sculpt Series. The classes are just short, single sessions, while the programs include several classes carefully selected to help you reach a certain goal.
Not all of the classes are particularly short, though, and some can take up to 45 minutes. They’re best suited for those who don’t have the time to dedicate themselves to a full-on 30-day program. All classes are taught by easy-to-follow trainers who continuously guide you through each move to ensure that you’reperfecting your exercise form.
What makes StretchIt’s library of stretching classes special is that it’s possible to filter them according to duration, difficulty, equipment, and trainer. A foam roller, pillow, and yoga blocks are a few pieces of exercise equipment you might need during the stretching classes.
Keep in mind that if you’re a complete beginner you can modify the classes to suit you by decreasing the reps or using exercise equipment. Moreover, you can choose to start a class immediately, download it, or schedule it for later.
To schedule your stretching class, simply tap theplusicon, select a date, and then set a reminder time. Unfortunately, the download option, which lets you download your chosen class for offline use, is only available on the StretchIt mobile app.
Having trouble choosing a stretching class? Navigate to StretchIt’s homepage and tapHelp Me Choose a Class. From there, based on your main goal, focus area, and regimen, StretchIt actively helps you find a class or program that is perfectly suited for you.
Other Notable StretchIt Features
StretchIt also features anActivitytab where you can track your stretching including how many hours, calories, and points you’ve racked up. The point-collecting system is a nice way to stay motivated, as the more points you collect, the more you can upgrade your status.
Additionally, it’s possible to use theActivitytab to monitor your training history, and achievements, and compete with friends. Another fantastic feature that StretchIt offers is progress photos. These work well if you’re taking part in a stretching program or challenge because you can keep track by uploading photos and seeing how you’ve progressed.
Last but not least, StretchIt can be used across almost all your devices. For instance, you can sign in and use your StretchIt account on your laptop from home or download the app and use it to do a stretching class on the go.
Is a Stretching App Worth Paying for a Subscription?
You might be familiar with stretching as a practice you should do quickly before and after your workout. Stretching is also likely something that you completely forget to do. However, stretching regularly is essential, and it can benefit you as a workout all on its own.
Fortunately, there are several stretching apps that can make incorporating stretching into your schedule so much easier. StretchIt is one stretching app that is worth paying for due to its rich feature set. However, not all stretching apps are. That’s why it’s always best to do your homework and try out a few different stretching apps with free trials before diving into a paid subscription.
While rest days are important between workouts, you don’t have to spend them doing nothing. Use these resources for fun active recovery ideas.
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