Got props? Know props? Need props?

Rick Deckart · 03-05-2007, 08:47 AM

Please post all about the props you use during your stretching routine in this thread. If you know about props which in your opinion are not worth the money, please explain... If you use props which are invaluable for you again, please explain.

I will make a start. Recently I build myself (actually my son did build it according to my specifications) a backbender. This device can be used to fascilitate backbending stretches, side stretches and even is good for strength training (abdominals and back extensions). The advantage over a swiss ball is it is rigid, and you can pinpoint your effort on the part of the back which needs the work. I will post a description of what I do with the thing later.

Costs? Zero (it is made from scrapwood in ~1hour). The thing shows you merciless which part of your back needs work...

Regards,

Peter

Steve Shafley · 03-05-2007, 10:15 AM

1. A piece of rope (a 'Fraid Not from Tom Drum, actually)
2 Jumpstretch bands...these are actually the tools I use the most when I stretch and do prehab/rehab work now.
3. A strap...functions like the rope, except it's longer. Pulled it off a defunct infant car seat. Ususally works better than the rope.
4. Foam rollers, Big PVC pipe, tennis balls, 1.25"-1.5" diameter superballs for soft tissue work.

I use the pad of my GHR as a "backbender" kind of thing, or the swiss ball.

Rick Deckart · 03-05-2007, 11:01 AM

One of my most important props is a wooden stick made according to the specifications recommended by Tommy Kono. It has grooves which mark a 34" and a 38" wide grip and a mark for the middle of the dowel/broomstick. Especially the latter tells volumes when you do dislocates infront of a mirror. I never realised that my dislocates were asymmetrical ( 1--2cm) before I used this stick. As you can feel the grooves slippage of grip is greatly reduced via feedback.
Well I got a lot better at dislocates in a short time and will add 30" and 26" marks soon...

Regards,

Peter

Steve Shafley · 03-05-2007, 11:23 AM

Not a bad idea at all. I like it. I remember that from the TK book.

Mike ODonnell · 03-05-2007, 01:05 PM

2nd on the stick for shoulder dislocates and the PVC pipe/Foam roller....I need to get a jumpstretch band for more active ROM movements...are there any good books/vids on how to use the band like that?

and yes...a swiss ball for stretching...lots of crazy ways to use it besides the standard one...

Chris Forbis · 03-05-2007, 02:52 PM

I keep a PVC around for dislocates and have marks on it for where the collars would start. I'll have to mark the center too so I can gun for symmetry.

I keep an Ab-Mat around for most stretches that I do while lying on my back.