An independent stretching device comprises a back brace configured to pass across and brace against a user's back. A first connector is secured to a first end of the lower back brace, and is threaded through a first pulley. A second connector is secured to a second end of the lower back brace on an opposite side of the user to the first end of the back brace, the second connector being threaded through a second pulley. A foot stirrup is provided for receiving a foot of the user, and has a first end connected to the first pulley and a second end connected to the second pulley. Tension applied to respective distal ends of the first and second connectors distal from the back brace creates tension which urges the foot stirrup and the back brace toward each other.