Recently, as a birthday present my dad bought me the Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher. Upon receiving it I was so excited and I felt I needed to share with you all my review of the product, along with information about it, and a comparison to similar product alternatives such as the Flexistretcher. The main purpose of this product is to help increase flexibility using this device that you then close between a door. The mechanism for the stretcher works similar to a pulley system. Since after putting the stretcher above a door and then close it, you then put your foot into one of the straps and use the force of your arms to pull your leg up. After seeing so many reviews on Amazon about this product I still wasn't able to see an in-depth review for dancers comparing this to the well-known Flexistretcher. So, I thought I'd create my own review that's a bit more comprehensive to help those of you out there determine which product you should buy. Also included are tips and tricks to using the product, what you can do with it, and the pros and cons of each product. Now, let's get on with it and start with how you can use it!
Stretching Positions/Product Usage:
There are a few variations of the stretch that you can use it for such as a la seconde (to the side), en avant (in the front-turned out or parallel), derriere (behind in an arabesque (with your leg behind you in a straight leg with your back up), ponchee (with your leg behind you as far as you can go to a 180 degree or beyond), or a scorpion pose (for those of you in cheer or acro). Another stretch that you can use this for is by putting your foot in the opposite strap and positioning it in front of your opposite hip across from you as if you're sitting down or in a standing pigeon pose.
Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher Tips:
A few tips in regards to using the Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher is to have a wall to support you on one or both sides of the door to pull your torso up or to regain balance. You can also use the door frame, but I found it really helpful to practice using this in an area where there was a wall. Also, make sure to have someone spot you at least for the first few times as you get accustomed to using it. For the dancers out there, make sure to be conscious/pay attention to your alignment of your hip in a la seconde (to the side) especially, as it's very easy to let go of your ballet technique when your leg goes above 90 degrees. Also, when using it in a ponchee or arabesque (to the back) make sure your foot doesn't over-cross to either side and ensure that it's directly behind you. Also, try practicing this with a stretched knee and turned out supporting foot, so it recreates the position as much as possible when you practice dancing in the centre without it.
Another tip I would recommend would be to warm up and stretch before using Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher. Since this device helps you move into more extreme stretching positions, so you want to make sure you don't pull a muscle or possibly get hurt. So, try going through your normal stretching routine and then adding this in at the end to get the full benefit.
The company recommends practicing for around 15 minutes per day to gain the full benefits and after using it for a week I did notice some improvement. However, this was also largely dependent on using the correct alignment (otherwise you may stretch muscles that aren't typically used in your classes) and also consistency. In addition, try your best to hold the stretch for about 30 seconds. This may take some time to gain your balance and centre of gravity in the beginning, so don't worry if you can't do it initially and then build up to holding the stretch for longer after practicing some more.
Product Comparison: Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher Vs. Flexistretcher 1.0
As for a product comparison between Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher and the Flexistretcher, this is solely dependent on your usage. Since Xes' product is often used for a variety of sports such as gymnastics, cheer, martial arts, dance, and those who want to gain flexibility in general, the effectiveness is dependent on what you want your result to be. Whereas, the Flexistretcher was created with the idea of a ballet dancers' needs in mind. Another thing to keep in mind is that my review is based on the Flexistretcher 1.0, but the company has now created its 2.0 version, which improves upon its predecessor, so some of the pros/cons for this product may be slightly different than for their newer product.
Pros of Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher:
-Fairly inexpensive, it's cheaper than the Flexistretcher
-Accesible through Amazon, so you can order it online
-Easy to use, better for beginners as the straps are longer and more adjustable
-Multipurpose device for a variety of sports
-You can improve your flexibility with practice and time
-You can get a discount or the product completely free, as they send out the product with a notice that indicates if you share photos in an Amazon review you get 50% off your current purchase and if you share a 30 second video in an Amazon review you get 100% of your current purchase back. Hence, why there are so many reviews on Amazon with photos and videos.
Cons of Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher:
-Could wear out over time, as I did notice that as a result of the pulley system the band can get a bit stretched out (however, the material is fairly strong, so this isn't too much of a concern)
-You need a strong door to ensure you don't break it or cause it to bow over time and also an ideal space for using the device.
-Finding proper alignment for dancers could be an issue, as it could create unwanted habits when translated to centre practice or at the barre.
-It may cause you to have your shoulders up, as you use your arms to pull your leg towards you.
Pros of the Flexistretcher:
-Specifically made and used by ballet dancers
-Easier to attain proper alignment in ballet positions, you can also practice different arm positions while using it such as first, second, third, fifth, open fifth, first arabesque, and third arabesque. Also you can practice doing attitude en avant and derriere (leg bent in front and behind) and to practice your middle splits
-Comes with an arm padding
-There are online classes/videos on how to use it and certifications for teaching with them.
-Doesn't require use of a door, you can use it while standing in centre for practice
-You can improve your flexibility a lot quicker than with the Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher, especially through your back for ponchees and arabesques
-The material is more durable than that of Xes' Stretcher
-You can buy it on Amazon or through their direct website
Cons of the Flexistretcher:
-A bit more expensive than the Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher (around $100 compared to $35+tax, however the Flexistretcher is $59 USD on their official website)
-It can cause chafing or red marks under your armpit when using it, especially in arabesques
-May not be as diverse in usage for other sports such as martial arts or cheer, as their purposes are different
-You need at least 90 degrees of flexibility in all positions to really gain usage of the Flexistretcher due to mechanism it uses. Whereas, Xes' you can adjust it a lot more, as it uses your arms as a pulley rather than your shoulder.
Now, for a photo comparison of the two products:
Photo of Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher (Light Purple):
Photo of Flexistretcher 1.0 in Grey (They now have 2.0 which is slightly enhanced, so my review is based on the original version)
Side Note:
Both products come in multiple colours, however, the Flexistretcher only comes in black or pink and Price Xes' comes in black, grey, rose/pink, blue, red, khaki, or light/dark purple.
Results:
In terms of results, I would say it depends on your goals and purposes for stretching. As Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher is good for a variety of athletes or people in general looking to gain flexibility. Whereas, for dancers (i.e. ballet dancers) I prefer the Flexistretcher due to its ability to include proper alignment and recreate the actual feeling of engaging the correct muscles used in dance class. Both of these stretchers have their crowd and can also be used interchangeably, but as a dancer I would say that the Flexistretcher has the advantage. However, both products are great tools to help you improve your flexibility while at home and feel free to try out both. Overall, I hope you enjoyed this review and that this will help those of you looking to either compare the two products or buy one of them decide on your purchase. Until next time, keep on dancing :)
You can buy Price Xes Door Flexibility Stretcher on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.
You can buy the Flexistretcher on Amazon.ca or Amazon.com. For more information, go to flxmove.com
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