:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TheseStretchingAppsArePerfectforAnyoneWhoSitsAllDay_edit-06c155cb03654511a20437abf174ccb3.jpg "Best Stretching Apps of 2024 (1)")
Sure, being able to bend yourself into a pretzel is a cool party trick, but stretching is so much more than that. Stretching is the key to increased mobility. And increased mobility means less pain and more physical freedom. Most of us spend our days sitting, hunched over computers, which causes our muscles to contract and tighten. In that state, we are more prone to injury (like pulled muscles) and pain. But, stretching daily can do wonders for our body. Stretching increases blood flow, muscle flexibility and strength, keeps joints healthier and more pain-free, and prevents potential injuries. If you're after a healthier, more limber bod, check out the best stretching apps and start practicing. You’ll be able to touch your toes in no time.
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Best Overall: StretchIt
Key Specs
- Price: $19.99 per month
- Notable Feature: Popular stretches from multiple types of exercises
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 stars
Why We Chose It
With a series of stellar reviews in the Apple app store, StretchIt is a great choice for those looking to get more flexible.
Pros
- Stretching challenges
- Easy-to-use interface
- Can upload progress pictures into the app
- Personalized class suggestions
Cons
- Have to pay to access the challenges
- Exercises will take up storage space on your phone
Overview
The StretchIt app is all about setting and reaching your stretching goals to improve movement and flexibility. The app offers a variety of classes (with video demonstrations) that combine stretches from yoga, gymnastics, bodyweight training, pilates, and more, and each stretching class is sorted by categories such as bendy back, full-body stretch, or the splits.
One of the great benefits of this app is that you can filter the various classes by length and difficulty to suit any time constraints or skill level you’re currently at, and offer 5 to 45-minute classes.
Another perk of this app is that you can download the stretching classes directly onto your phone, tablet, or computer in case you are practicing your stretches in an area without Wi-Fi or cell service.
StretchIt offers curated training programs and challenges, where you’ll take before and after pictures to track your progress. The app will ask for feedback after each class you take so that it can further guide you towards the next one or challenge to help you push your flexibility (safely) and reach your stretching goals.
StretchIt offers a free trial and then charges you once that period is over. It also offers various plans: The app costs $19.99 per month, and annual access is $160.
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Best for All Skill Levels: Stretch & Flexibility at Home
Key Specs
- Price: $4.99 per month
- Notable Feature: Weekly goals and workout reminders
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 stars
Why We Chose It
Whichever type of stretch you need each day, this app offers it. From post-running stretches and pain relief to before-bed stretching and more, the Stretch & Flexibility at Home app is ideal for anyone looking to get more flexible.
Pros
- Suitable for all skill levels
- Variety of stretches for different scenarios
- Voice and video guide
Cons
- Must pay after the trial is over
Overview
Whether you can barely touch your toes or have mastered the splits, the Stretch & Flexibility at Home app is ideal for any skill level. One of the app's benefits is the stretches for specific needs.
For example, you can practice specific stretches designed for the body after a long run, or you can choose one of the many pain relief stretches the app offers for whichever area of your body might be ailing you that day. The app offers dynamic stretching, stretching exercises for flexibility, warm-up exercises, stretching routines, stretching for runners, and much more.
Stretch & Flexibility will lead you through various stretches using a voice and video guide so that you can see how each move is done properly. With the app, you can track how many exercises and calories you have burned after each exercise. Plus, you can also set weekly goals for how many days you would like to practice your stretches.
The app does offer multiple exercises and stretches available for free, but if you would like access to all the stretches on the app, you have to sign up for a subscription. The subscription service offers a free trial at first, and then charges $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year.
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Best for Beginners: Start Stretching
Key Specs
- Price: Free
- Notable Feature: In-app adjustable timer to hold stretches
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 stars
Why We Chose It
We love this app for those who are beginners and don’t want to take up too much of their time doing stretching exercises.
Pros
- Free with option of in-app purchases
- Short exercises
- Specifically designed for beginners
Cons
- Few stretches are included in this app
- Illustrations show exercises rather than video
Overview
Start Stretching is perfect for all the beginners out there who want to incorporate some stretches into their daily or weekly routine, but aren’t interested in committing more than 10 minutes per day to stretch.
The app's interface is easy to use and the stretches are simple to implement. Unlike some other apps that offer video tutorials of each position, this app only has illustrations; they’re easy to follow, but the lack of video tutorials is something to consider when downloading Start Stretching.
You can use the in-app timer during your stretching exercises, and you can also adjust the length of time to hold each stretch. We love the Start Stretching app because the exercises are short (just a few minutes each) and require no equipment.
The biggest downside with this app is the lack of options—you only have access to the available stretches in the app,and there is no option to add more stretches or change up the routine. Advanced stretchers probably won’t be challenged with this stretch app.
The app is free to download and use and doesn’t require any trial period or subscription payment.
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Best for Nailing the Splits: Splits Training
Key Specs
- Price: $29.99 per year
- Notable Feature: Customized training plans
- Average Customer Review: 5 stars
Why We Chose It
This app makes the seemingly impossible become possible—nailing the splits is easier than you think if you follow all of its gradual steps.
Pros
- Splits exercises for various skill sets
- Step-by-step instruction
- Only takes 10 minutes per day
Cons
- Only focuses on splits—not ideal for those looking for a variety of stretches
- Must pay after the trial is over
Overview
Learning how to do the splits isn’t just a great party trick—it can help prevent injuries, relieve any muscle stiffness, increase muscle strength and improve circulation, too. Whether you’re a gymnast or have never attempted the splits in your life, Splits Training will help you get there, regardless of which skill level you’re currently on.
All you need is 10 minutes a day to work on stretching your splits. The app offers step-by-step instructions and animated video guides to help you learn dynamic and static stretches to open your hip flexors and gain more flexibility.
It also promises to have you improve your splits after 30 days of consistent practice. You can customize your own training plan within the app, and choose between beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels.
It is free to access the beginner level of this app, but you have to pay to access the intermediate and advanced levels. It offers a free trial and then charges $19.99 per year for the subscription.
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Best for Flexibility Training: pliability
Key Specs
- Price: $13.99 per month
- Notable Feature: Filtered stretches for individual body parts
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 stars
Why We Chose It
Why We Chose It: We like pliability for its ease of use, the plethora of stretches and exercises, and the fact that it was created for athletes.
Pros
- Long stretch sessions to loosen muscles
- Designed for athletes
- Can help optimize range of motion
Cons
- Not very beginner-friendly
- Must pay after the trial is over
Overview
Created for athletes and Crossfit fans, pliability is ideal for those who are serious about their stretching, flexibility, and mobility during exercise. This app will help you focus on a specific body part or goal each day, and offers tutorial videos for the stretch.
Because the app was created for those who are already pretty active, it might not be ideal for beginners who are just learning new stretches. Pliability is a great addition to any athlete’s current workout routine, as it will help your overall mobility in other workouts or sports games you enjoy participating in.
Once you download pliability, you will be more inclined to stay on track with your stretching routine, as the app offers accountability to the user. It can also help you hone in on specific areas of your body that you’re finding are tight, and work on stretching those areas.
Unlike other apps which offer shorter stretch circuits, you’ll need to put aside 15 to 20 minutes to complete the exercise workouts within the pliability app.
Pliability offers a free, 7-day trial, but costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year to access the app once your trial ends.
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Best For Proactive Aging: Bend
Key Specs
- Price: $29.99 per month
- Notable Feature: Create your own routine with your favorite stretches in the app.
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 stars
Why We Chose It
Why We Chose It: We like Bend for its practical approach to pain management and prevention and its proactive aim of helping users to maintain and gain flexibility as they age.
Pros
- Has programs that help with stress and sleep
- Has targeted routines to help ease pain and increase flexibility in specific body parts
- Detailed instructions to increase confidence and prevent injury
Cons
• Must pay for most content
Overview
Since we know our bodies respond to what we do consistently, Bend's aim is to get you stretching every day. It reminds you at your chosen times to honor your commitment to stretching and then tailors its suggest routines to the goals you've set. Whether you want to decrease stress and anxiety, reduce pain, improve athletic performance, increase range of motion, and/or target specific parts of your body (i.e. tech neck), Bend will suggest moves to help you achieve it.
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Best for Mindful Movement: Calm App
Key Specs
- Price: $14.99 per month
- Notable Feature: Get a new daily mindful movement practice with the app's "Daily Move"
- Average Customer Review: 4.8 stars
Why We Chose It
Why We Chose It: With all that it offers in the way of meditation, breathing, and sleep stories, the Calm App's body offerings can get overlooked. But they're a great benefit in and of themselves.
Pros
- Has programs tailored to different needs throughout the day like morning wake up, afternoon reset, and evening wind down.
- With a focus on mindfulness and intentionality, these gentle routines aim to move you from an anxious, tired state into a place of calm alertness.
- Most of the routines are short and can easily be fit in to your busy day.
Cons
• Must pay for most content
Overview
The Calm App is acclaimed for a reason. With trusted experts and a proven track record, the Calm App is a leader in the mindfulness and meditation space. That's why when they began offering movement and stretching videos, longtime users were thrilled. These short, gentle routines are geared toward helping you to feel better, less stressed, more mobile and alert. The fully-guided videos are tailored to all ability levels and use the tenets of mindfulness to bring attention to the places in your body that require extra care and tending. Incorporating these movement videos into your day is simple and easy and afterwards, you will no doubt feel less stiff, less pain, and more renewed and relaxed. Ahhh...
Final Verdict
StretchIt is our pick for the best overall stretching app thanks to its large variety of stretches and exercises, user-friendly lessons, different class length options, and suitability for all skill levels. The app features curated training programs, challenges, and classes that can be downloaded on multiple devices (so users can take their stretches anywhere—even without Wi-Fi).
FAQ
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Stretching App?
The best stretching apps are those that cater to multiple skill levels and can help guide you towards building a more flexible body. The best stretching apps will offer visual tutorials and instruction, and help you target specific areas of your body or specific stretches you’re looking to accomplish.
Who Should Consider a Stretching App?
Anyone who is looking to become more flexible, improve their mobility, or recover after a tough workout can benefit from downloading and using a stretching app.
How Much Do Stretching Apps Cost?
The best stretching apps range in price—some apps are available completely free, although you won’t get much variety in terms of stretches with the no-cost apps. Other apps cost anywhere from roughly $20 per month to $20 per year.
Is It OK to Do Stretching Every Day?
Yes, stretching every day can be very beneficial for your body. Start with simple stretches and gradually work your way up to more difficult positions. If you feel sore after a previous exercise, only stretch your muscles gently to loosen and relax them between more intensive workouts.
Methodology
When selecting the best stretching apps, we considered multiple factors including the variety of stretching routines and challenges available, varying skill levels, the ability to customize your stretching workouts, and more. We also took cost into account, along with positive and negative reviews for each app.
