A machine and method of vertically stretching and exercising the human body, specifically the lower half of the human frame. The machine comprises a bed, table, or platform having a user-controlled actuator which raises one end of the bed, table, or platform up to forty degrees above a completely horizontal position such that the user's upper body is raised above the user's lower body. As a consequence, the user's lower body is either partially or fully suspended from the user's point of attachment to the bed, table, or platform. Because the user is in control of the precise actuator movements, and hence the degree of vertical positioning, the machine is much easier and safer to operate and more effective than other exercise or physical strengthening devices.