Perhaps worst book on stretching...
The illustrations are rudimentary, with an almost complete abscence of written instruction for very risky, complicated, stretches. Some of them are the usual tired yoga stretches that get promoted now-a-days. While others make the knee joint the weight-bearing point. Beware, some of these stretches WILL damage your body beyond repair. Advice in the book is often hearsay, like "all wrestlers do the yoga shoulder stand" (?)
I once knew a ballerina in a professional company who told me that the ballerinas have a short career, arthritis from extreme stretching helps ensure that, she said. Use this book to damage bodies only.
Flexibility prevents injuries
I like the way the author set up the book with a clear introduction of the anatomy and mechanics of stretching. In addition, the use of charts for "sport specific" stretching guidelines is extremely useful. Illustration are clear and easy to understand.
excellent book
I am a certified personal trainer, athlete, medical massage practitioner and I teach anatomy/physiology, so I review this book with some authority.
The opening chapters explain quite nicely the scientific rationale for, and benefits of, stretching for those who prefer to have a technical basis for what they do. You'll find great variety here and many unique stretches I've not seen in similar books.
To address some of the negative reviews:
Nowhere does the author recommend performing dangerous stretches or techniques beyond the abilities of the reader. Some advanced stretches are presented for informational purposes but with the caveat that these are for VERY specific applications and should be attempted ONLY if you do not have contraindicated conditions. To quote the book: "There is generally no such thing as an unsafe stretch or exercise: only an unsafe way of executing any movement for a specific individual at a specific time". In other words, everyone is different and the reader should use good judgment in their choices. Some people will take very "safe" stretches and get injured by using sloppy form or not training within their abilities while others can perform "dangerous" stretches very safely by proceeding slowly, deliberately and realistically training within their own physical limitations.
Some reviewers purport that 2 or 3 stretches are all that you need and the author is fooling you with many "goofy" stretches. Ridiculous! Can a carpenter build a house with only a hammer and level? NO! If two good stretches were all you needed for each muscle, then the book would simply be entitled, "Two Stretches That Work For Every Person and Sport". Personally, I like that the author has provided a huge amount of variety. That way, I can try any number of the 311 stretches taught and find the 3 or 4 that work best for me for each muscle group. As my needs change, then I can go back to the book and try something different. I would rather have too much information than not enough. If some readers are annoyed by the variety there are plenty of very basic, boring stretch books out there to fill their needs. Also, if you read and understand the opening chapters, you'll know how to adapt any of the stretches to active, dynamic, PNF or vice versa. The book will not limit your advancement as some reviewers mistakenly believe.
I highly recommend this book. It's clear, concise and presents many options, from basic to advanced, for you to build a good stretching program.
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