Fitness Gear Apps, Classes, and Memberships The 5 Best Stretching Apps of 2022 StretchIt is the best overall stretching app By Natasha Freutel Natasha Freutel Natasha is a writer and occupational therapist who has covered health and wellness topics for Healthline, Livestrong, and Fitness magazine. Her expertiselies in rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise, personal training, and geriatrics. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 23, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. 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The 5 Best Stretching Apps for 2022 Best Overall: StretchIt Best for Flexibility Training: ROMWOD Best for Beginners: Start Stretching Best for All Skill Levels: Stretching Exercises Best for Time Restraints: SworKit Stretching should be an essential part of your daily routine as it boasts many benefits, both physical and mental. It’s been proven to help relieve pain, reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, ease tension, and help avoid injuries. While many health apps offer various workouts to get you in shape, finding ones focused on mobility may be a bit more challenging. The best stretching apps are those that include a variety of different stretches, have easy-to-follow videos or descriptions, include in-app timers, and allow you to track your workouts and document progress. We looked at over 15 stretching apps available in the U.S. on iOS or Android. To be included, these apps must have a free trial or low-cost option and routines specific to stretching or mobility. Our Top Picks Best Overall: StretchIt StretchIt Sign Up Now Why We Chose It: We chose StretchIt as the best overall because it offers many of the features needed to create a well-balanced stretching routine and hold you accountable to your goals. Pros Easy to use interface Works offline In-app challenges Connects with Apple Music Reminds you to do your workout Variety of class lengths (15–45 mins) Cons Challenges only available on the paid version Classes take up increased storage StretchIt features an easy-to-use interface, clear and concise videos, and various classes to choose from. We liked that classes are sorted by themes, such as full-body stretch, bendy back, or learning to do the splits. You can filter classes by length and difficulty, making it easy to find the class you want to do. You can also set reminders to alert you to do your stretching every day, which may help keep you accountable to your plan. The best part of this app is the ability to download routines to your phone to view later. This is great for those who like to stretch outdoors where there may not be cellular reception. You can also add classes to your calendar and plan your week ahead of time. StretchIt offers a free seven-day trial to ensure it's the right fit. When the trial is over, the app is $19.99 per month and includes access to all the classes on the app. Each video includes video demonstrations and a calming voice guiding you through each movement. You can navigate to the Challenges tab at the bottom of the app to choose a goal that you would like to accomplish. For example, if you want to be able to do the front splits, their 30-day challenge will help you get there. Challenges are a premium feature but maybe worth it if you want a simple plan to follow to help you reach your goals. You can also add progress photos and document achievements, which is a great way to measure progress. Best for Flexibility Training: ROMWOD ROMWOD Sign Up Now Why We Chose It: We chose ROMWOD as best for flexibility training as it is designed for athletes. Pros Made for athletes Available on iOS and Android Helps optimize range of motion Cons Expensive at $13.95/month Most routines focus on static stretching May not be appropriate for beginners ROMWOD was designed for athletes and Crossfit enthusiasts. The app provides you with a targeted stretching routine each day but you can also choose from their library of routines. Each day focuses on a different body part or goal and provides you with a full video to teach you how to do each movement correctly. We liked that they included some advanced stretches, and the movements are designed to help improve your overall mobility to make you a better athlete. This app costs $13.95 a month, which is more expensive than other apps reviewed, but the cost may be worth it to some. Its varied stretching workouts, new exercises daily, and full-body movements can help increase your strength, agility, and overall performance, which is essential for many athletes. Because it is designed for athletes and weight lifters, it may be too advanced for beginners or those with little prior experience. One of the benefits of this app is that it provides accountability to the user and helps them stay on track with their stretching routine. It also helps identify areas of the body that are particularly tight and teaches users the fundamentals of static stretching. Overall, ROMWOD is good for those who need the structure of a daily routine, have time to complete the 20–30 minute workouts, or want to work the routines into their warmup or cool down at the gym. Best for Beginners: Start Stretching Start Stretching Sign Up Now Why We Chose It: We liked Start Stretching for beginners because it includes stretches that are easy to understand and only takes 5 minutes. Pros Free Designed for beginners Includes timer Only takes 5 minutes a day Cons Only includes 9 stretches Cannot change routine Start Stretching is great for beginners due to its easy-to-use design, straightforward stretches, and well-written instructions. It includes both graphic descriptions and text to show you exactly how to do each stretch. You can adjust the length of time to hold each stretch and use the in-app timer during your workout. It also alerts you by either a sound or vibration when moving on to the next stretch. If you are a beginner, this app will help you start incorporating simple stretches into your day to reap the benefits. We liked that the Start Stretching app only takes 5 minutes a day and requires no equipment. Unfortunately, there are only nine stretches to work through and no option to add more stretches or change the routine. This might be great for beginners, but more advanced users may find it repetitive and boring. Overall, this app will help you improve your flexibility, work stretching into your daily routine, and help you move better during your workouts or daily life. Best for All Skill Levels: Stretching Exercises Stretching Exercises Sign Up Now Why We Chose It: We chose Stretching Exercises as best for all skill levels because of its variety of pre-made stretching routines and ability to customize each workout. Pros Pre-made stretching routines Routines for all levels In-app timers Can set daily reminders Calendar feature Cons Computer voice can be annoying Free version includes ads The Stretching Exercises app is great for all levels and provides well-designed routines to address specific concerns or goals. Their pre-made routines include options such as morning warmup, sleepy time stretch, knock-knee correction, and many more. These routines range from 4 to 15 minutes and can be done anywhere. Each stretch includes a voice and video guide and background music designed to help you relax. We found the computer-generated voice to be slightly irritating but liked that there is the option to turn it off. You are also able to choose from their library of stretches to create your own routine. The routines are organized by body parts and their library of exercises is easy to navigate. We liked that it includes a calendar that shows your progress and allows you to set reminders to stretch every day. You can customize your music and sync with Apple Health to get credit for the workouts you complete. The free version of the app includes ads, and to get full access to all the stretches you must upgrade to the pro version for $4.99 per month or $19.99 per year. The app includes a free 7-day trial before you commit. Overall, this app is an excellent option for those who want different stretching routines each day, need an app to keep them accountable or have specific goals like doing the splits or improving their running. Best for Time Restraints: SworKit SworKit Sign Up Now Why We Chose It: SworKit gives you the ability to customize each workout and choose how long you have to stretch, making it best for those with time restraints. Pros Very customizable Can set the desired time for stretch routine Includes music Easy-to-follow videos and verbal cues Cons Limited number of routines No offline feature SworKit has many positive customer reviews online, and for good reason. It is a great comprehensive app with different routines to target specific goals, including basic stretching routines, yoga, foam rolling, rehabilitation-focused routines, and strength workouts. We liked that each routine is customizable so you can set the total time from 5 to 60 minutes and swap out stretches as needed. This app can help both beginners and athletes alike and help keep you accountable to your goals. You can save custom workouts and log your progress on the calendar to keep you organized. It also includes features such as the 28-day flexibility challenge and allows you to set reminders to complete your workout. SworKit costs $59.99 a year, which is more expensive than other stretching apps, but there's a 7-day free trial first. Overall, SworKit is great if you’re looking for customizable routines, simple instructions, and upbeat music to accompany your workout. Final Verdict Overall, there are many great stretching apps to choose from, each with unique features that may work best for you. These apps’ benefits include their easy-to-use design, straightforward directions and videos, ability to create your own routines, daily reminders, and calendar features to track your progress. We found that some apps lacked important features like the ability to customize the length of your routine, a place to track your progress, and the ability to customize the music or voice as you workout. We also didn't like that some apps require you to upgrade to a premium version to use important features of the app. If you’re looking for a stretching app to teach you new stretches, provide an easy-to-follow routine, or desire daily reminders’ accountability, then these stretching apps will help you build your next stretching routine to help reach your goals. Stretching Apps vs Yoga Apps Stretching apps offer some perks over yoga apps, especially for beginners. With stretching apps, you can customize your session to include a few stretches or enough to fill a 45-minute chunk of time. You can also choose basic stretches that have minimal steps, seated stretches, and partner-assisted stretches, which are all excellent ways for beginners to ease into a stretching program. Plus, if you’re using a stretching app with advanced routines, you can focus on more complicated moves that require agility, good range of motion, and flexibility. Yoga apps, on the other hand, are specialized, and only offer routines with yoga poses. While most yoga apps have beginner to advanced classes, it’s a good idea to have a basic foundation of how a yoga sequence flows before diving into an online class. Frequently Asked Questions How Do Stretching Apps Work? Stretching apps work the same as many other workout apps by providing you with photo, verbal, or video instruction of different stretches that you can do at home with minimal equipment. Some apps provide you with a schedule of workouts to follow, short or long videos, daily reminders, or stretches to target specific goals like doing the splits or decreasing low back pain. Are They Designed for Beginners? Most stretching apps can be used by beginners and athletes alike. Many stretching apps have customizable routines and a variety of difficulty levels to choose from. How Much Should I Pay for a Stretching App? Many stretching apps have a free version to allow you to try it out and see if it’s a good fit. Upgraded versions often include additional features and can range from $1–$15/month. How Long Should I Stretch Each Day? The time you spend stretching each day is completely up to you and your workout goals. Incorporating at least 5 minutes of stretching each day will help you reap the benefits with little time commitment. Full stretching workouts may take 15–45 minutes. What Are the Health Benefits Associated With Stretching? Stretching can help you increase your flexibility, range of motion, and improve your physical performance. It can also increase the blood flow to your muscles, improve posture, decrease stress, and help heal or prevent injuries. Lastly, stretching is a great way to warm up or cool down after a workout or calm your mind before bed. Methodology We looked at over 15 apps available in the U.S. on iOS or Android to compile this list of best stretching apps. We searched for apps that include a variety of different stretching routines, give you the ability to customize your workouts, and have plans or a way to track your progress. We also researched reviews online and on the App store and favored those with multiple positive reviews. In addition, we tried the apps ourselves to explore the features available in the free version. To be considered, the app must focus on stretching or mobility, include options for any skill level, and have a free trial or low-cost option. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Apostolopoulos N, Metsios GS, Flouris AD, Koutedakis Y, Wyon MA. The relevance of stretch intensity and position-a systematic review. Front Psychol. 2015;6:1128. Published 2015 Aug 18. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01128