Although it is not practical self-defense, we all dream of being able to kick straight up in the air. While not everyone will be able to obtain this level of flexibility, we all can do things to help increase our stretch. The best method for increasing your flexibility is to stretch immediately after working out. Most people believe they are increasing their stretch when they warm-ups before class. However, warm-up only serve to get your body loosened up, and do little to increase your stretch. Now most of us don't have the discipline to stretch after working out, we are all in a hurry to get home because there is usually something good on TV.

Although it's not possible to buy flexibility, it is possible to buy equipment that can increase your stretch, namely seated stretching machines. Over the past fifteen years I have tried or owned various "stretch racks," as they are often called. Hands-down, the best machine that I have ever seen is the Hurley Stretcher. This machine is rather pricey, ranging from around $145.00 to $195.00 depending on the model you choose, but it is worth every penny. The problem with buying cheaper machines is that they don't work or are uncomfortable. If this is the case you won't use the machine and you will have wasted your money.

I own the Hurley Stretcher 3000, which is the top-of-the-line model. It has an adjustable back, an 800 lbs. crank, and a brake-clutch mechanism. There are many things that I like about this machine. First of all, it's very comfortable to use. When I come home from working out, I sit in the machine and watch TV while working on my stretch. Second, the 800 lb. crank turns as easily on the first turn as it does on the last one you can handle. This is not the case with other stretching machine I have used. However, the feature that I like most about the Hurley Stretcher is that the machine goes way past 180-degrees. What's nice about this is that if you are like me, someone who can come close to a full-split, a machine that can take you all the way is essential. In the past, I owned a Century FlexMaster and it would only come close to 180-degrees, which is very frustrating considering how much I paid for the machine. The final aspect of the Hurley Stretcher that I like is that this machine is built to last. When you get on it, there is no doubt that the machine can be used for years with heavy use.

When I try to think about drawbacks of the equipment, the only thing that comes to mind is that the machine is bulky. It weights about 40 lbs., and takes up quite a bit of room in your house. This alone may deter some people from purchasing it, but if you have room in your house, and are serious about gaining flexibility, I highly recommend buying this piece of equipment.

Dick Forrester starting trained at the age of 12 under Renshi Liberto and received his Shodan in 1989. In August of 1995 he achieved the rank of Sandan before moving to South Carolina to attend graduate school at Clemson University. While working on his PhD in applied mathematics, he has opened the Clemson Chidokwan Karate Club, which currently has about 20 martial arts students.

www.chidokwankarate.com