Stretching in a massage chair ranks among the most enjoyable functions. It can be compared to a lazy morning stretch just after waking up and it offers an extremely pleasant way to relax and unwind. In this episode of our vlog, Paweł explains what stretching actually is, how it works depending on the model, and how it differs from the stretching known from the gym or exercise room.
Unique benefits of stretching
You can hear it from newspaper articles, online publications or even during a workout at the gym, that stretching has beneficial effects on both the body and human psyche. But let’s start from the beginning… What exactly is stretching? There are several definitions, but all boil down to the fact that it’s a specially designed sequence of movements, aimed at stretching and relaxation of individual muscle groups.
First of all, stretching is an extremely relaxing feature that unwinds, stimulates dormant endorphins and lowers stress levels. However, systematic stretching also has many other benefits for the human body, whose range of motion changes with aging. It makes muscles more flexible, strengthens the tendons, and increases mobility of the joints, resulting in better coordination. Stretching also relieves your neck of stiffness and pain, so it’s recommended for people who spend most of their time in one position. It is also one of the most common advice given by personal trainers – it loosens up overly tight muscles perfectly after workout.
And this is where we come to the stretching program in the massage chair.
How does the stretching program work in the massage chair?
Our guess is that some may associate body stretching with medieval methods of coercion :-), so let us clarify that it has nothing to do with massage chairs. So what does stretching in a massage chair look like? After starting the appropriate automatic program, the airbags around the arms and in the legs “wrap around” us, become inflated, and then the backrest of the chair moves down to the lying position while lowering the footrest at the same time. Meanwhile, the massaging arms slowly move from the loins towards the neck, carefully and gradually stretching the back muscles. You can see this in our video about the Massaggio Stravagante 2, simply fast-forward to 1:45.
Stretching in the massage chair
There are two different ways to use the stretching feature in massage chairs. The first is lower body stretching, which you can try out by massaging, for example, Massaggio Eccellente 2 and its Pro version. The other option involves stretching not only the legs, but also the back. This form of stretching has been included in 15 and 20 minute automatic programs available in Massaggio Stravagante 2 chair. The same goes for Massaggio Esclusivo 2, where stretching is applied to the entire body, unlike its predecessor where you could enjoy stretching of the lower body only. Definitely, the greatest variety of options related to the stretching the entire body is available in the Japanese Fujiiryoki JP2000 chair, which boasts as many as three different automatic programs aimed at stretching of the entire body, including one air massage program.
Body stretching is definitely one of the most enjoyable features in massage chairs. If you are thinking about a chair that comes with a body stretching program, take a look at our product range and if you have any questions after reading, feel free to contact us.
Transcription
Paul, I’ve heard there is a stretching function on some massage chairs. What on earth is it?
I can assure you it is not some form of medieval torture, it’s simply similar to the sensation of stretching when you wake up in the morning. The stretch function in a massage chair has been labelled as one of the most enjoyable functions. However, it is completely different to the stretching we do before and after exercising to warm up, cool down and loosen our muscles.
I think you’re going to have to explain this a little more.
Stretching can be defined as a specific sequence of movements, which can stretch, relax and strengthen individual muscle groups, often improving mobility and relieving stiffness and pain. There is an automatic stretching programme in some models of massage chairs, which uses specific mechanisms and techniques to stretch muscles in a gentle and relaxing way.
So what does the chair actually do?
After starting the programme, the airbags near the arms and legs wrap around and inflate. The chair moves into the reclining position, lowering the foot rest at the same time and this gives the impression of being stretched out. Then the massaging arms slowly move upwards towards the neck, carefully, gradually and gently stretching the back muscles and the upper parts of the legs. It’s important to note that the programme can be different in some models of massage chairs, as it can depend on their construction.
So although I won’t be taller, will I be more flexible straight away?
Although there won’t be an immediate effect, it can improve your flexibility. For example, after several sessions, it may help you if your intention is to simply stretch your body and touch your toes, without bending your knees. You definitely won’t be taller, but you will feel refreshed and relaxed.
