An innovation that’s making a global impact
5 years of SPINEFITTER® by SISSEL®
The world-famous training device is celebrating its anniversary!
The SPINEFITTER’s success story began in 2021 and it is gaining new fans every day. For anyone who isn’t yet familiar with it, here is a brief explanation:
By providing targeted stimulation along the spine, the SPINEFITTER helps to relieve muscular tension whilst creating more space and mobility in the spine. This can lead to noticeable relief for the back muscles and an improvement in functional mobility. It is therefore not only a help for acute tension, but also an effective tool for preventive support of back health:
Simple, efficient and ready to use at any time!
It all started with a pair of jeans
Nina Metternich is a physiotherapist. Together with a colleague, she has been thinking about how to develop a practical alternative to the traditional foam roller that is even more targeted and easier to use.
The idea quickly evolved into a creative process, and in the early stages they deliberately kept things simple and pragmatic. They used tennis balls and their daughters’ old jeans. At the end of 2016, the first ‘gym bags’ – as the prototype was called – were sewn. In 2018, they approached SISSEL with their idea. Together with SISSEL’s product development team, a market-ready product was developed: the SPINEFIT.
From an egg carton to a mention in "Men’s Health"
From the very beginning, the SPINEFITTER was conceived as a forward-looking modular system, designed to be fitted with additional therapeutic attachments. However, it was not just the material but also the shape that was further developed.
The initial sketches and prototypes resembled egg cartons or a row of marshmallows. But then, in 2021, a “beautifully designed” SPINEFITTER emerged, as described by “Men’s Health” magazine. At the international sports trade fair FIBO, it was even named Innovation of the Year.
Originally extended – then significantly expanded
As some customers, particularly taller ones, had requested a longer SPINEFITTER, the Multi Extension Kit was developed. No sooner had the extension been completed than it quickly became clear: it can do so much more!
The Multi Extension Kit is ideal for incorporating additional exercises or providing targeted support for specific parts of the body.
The Trigger Tool – the physiotherapist’s magic thumb
In order to adapt this application and the effect of this movement for use with the SPINEFITTER at home, a tool needed to be developed that could be integrated into the SPINEFITTER system.
Using the thumb as a template, several prototypes were developed until the current Trigger Tool was created.
Not all SPINEFITTERs are the same
Nowadays, children and teenagers are increasingly struggling with poor posture and the resulting health problems. This presents challenges not only for parents but also for physiotherapists.
Originally, the SPINEFITTER was intended to be ‘child-friendly’. But it soon became clear that children need something completely different.
Whilst treatment for adults often focuses on mobilising the spine and releasing tension, other issues take precedence for children, such as stable core strength along the spine, better coordination and good balance. This is exactly where the SPINEFITTER Junior comes in!
Pink Hero – Effective support for breast cancer patients
The newest addition to the SPINEFITTER family is the SPINEFITTER Hero Edition. The inspiration for this special edition came from the fact that breast cancer patients in particular reported very positive experiences with the SPINEFITTER. It aids in restoring shoulder mobility and stretching the anterior chain, stimulates lymphatic drainage—which is important for the healing process—and can have a positive effect on pain relief.
Breast cancer patients who have recently undergone treatment are often more sensitive to touch and pressure. To make it easier to use, the SPINEFITTER Sleeve is available in terry cloth to reduce the sensation of pressure.
Anja Binting is an active advocate for the Special Edition and was actively involved in the development of this concept
Testimonials
Authentic User and Practicioner Opinions
Here you can read about the impressive experiences and successes our growing SPINEFITTER community has had with the SPINEFITTER by SISSEL®.
"Pilates training on the SPINEFITTER is a highlight! The gentle massage of the fascia and tense muscles in the area of the spine, shoulders and neck is super pleasant, the effect is lasting. Whether problems with the hips, shoulders or general back pain - the SPINEFITTER immediately provides relief, improved mobility and an all-round pleasant body feeling."
“The Spinefitter - can do much more than you think. It comes along inconspicuously, a few balls lined up next to each other. It's been done before, you think. But in terms of application, it is more versatile than almost any other device. The Spinefitter gives you a whole new body feeling, challenges your stabilising muscles in a completely different way. "
“The feedback from my client/patient is consistently positive. As a trainer/therapist, I can directly observe an improvement in range of motion in every case, as well as more harmonious movement through the spine. This allows me to address the functional chains better and more efficiently."
