The Anatomy of Stretching, Second Edition: Your Illustrated Guide to Flexibility and Injury Rehabilitation Paperback – 4 Oct. 2011

I am an experienced therapeutic masseur improving my techniques by taking a level 3 sports massage course. I only know a little about sports as I am just 'your average gym member' trying to be a bit fitter. For my course this book, I feel, will be of great benefit now and as I get more knowledgeable. I can relate the stretches to the lessons of 'moves' the lecturer gave for finding out which muscles are affected and need working on during the massage. It would be ideal for 'beginner' sports people (like me) who want to improve their flexibility, warm up/cool down, or for general pre/post activity aches & pains.The majority of the book shows in clear illustrations the stretching technique, how to do it, the muscles being stretched (and the bones and where the muscles join them), the sports its good for, which sports injury it will help, hints for performing correctly, and a complementary stretch. The stretches are grouped in body areas e.g. arms & chest, hips & buttocks, etc.. All are numbered and there is quick reference sections at the back for best stretches for a list of injuries and different sports. The front section gives comprehensive, but simply explained, information on flexibility, anatomy and physiology, mechanics of movement, principles & benefits of stretching, types of stretch, rules for safe stretching, when and how to stretch.Re the Free DVD which a lot of people say they did not receive .... reading the information in the book it is not a DVD sent out with the book but 'bonus' information online as an eBook and MP3 download. I have not explored this yet.

Amazing guide for stretches. I'm looking to increase my flexibility and this hit the note perfectly. It has all stretches sectioned out, for example - 'stretches for adductors, 'stretches for arms' 'stretches for head and neck' so you know what to look for. It also shows you what exact muscles you will be stretching and what sports or injuries would benefit from what stretch. It also has a section on each page that shows what other stretches would compliment that particular stretch. I find it easy to use 2-3 pages from each section to give myself a full body routine and I feel sooo much better afterwards! It doesn't miss anything in my opinion, and there are hints and tips throughout to prevent injury etc. at the back of the book it also shows diagrams of which stretches to use for a particular sport e.g baseball (it will then give you a list and pictures of the top 5 stretches to prepare for this sport. Also, for injuries, it will list off stretches that will help rehabilitate you after suffering with an injury, such as tennis elbow. Really great book, already thumbed through it numerous times and will be buying another if/when I wear it out...

I am a sports therapy student and bought this book for flexibility training.Actually fairly illustrated (drawed), highlight the main muscles which do stretch during lengthening exercise. Explanations are ok, easy to explain to clients.Exercises are categorised by sports and muscles so you can source depending on what you need. If you are a runner for instance , you will find the recommendation to stretch muscles you use for running. Or if you have a gym user and had a leg day, pictures show you how to stretch muscles of the legs.Wouldn't say high professional book but handy, shows plenty static stretching novic to intermediate. Quite heavy and thick, large book, printing quality very good.

I bought this book after reading numerous reviews on Amazon and I'm very pleased with it. Splendidly illustrated and very easy to follow, it will add many new stretches to my fitness regime. The first part of the book has comprehensive and very helpful advice on how to stretch properly. I've already adjusted my approach on the basis of this and found that the stretches are more satisfying and more effective. Many years ago I injured my spine and stretching, mobility and strengthening exercises have been a daily norm for ever since. I know how important stretching is for recovery and continued flexibility; this book has extended my knowledge.

very useful book to have around.

This book is filled with easy to understand instructions and advice for anyone with a mobility problem, not just athletes. The illustrations are magnificent to look at and beautifully detailed. With both written and drawn examples of the relevant stretching areas, this book is a great reference work for anyone wanting to build up their recovery safely, from injury or chronic afflictions affecting muscular/skeletal areas. I've found the instructions and drawings for neck and lower back problems particularly useful for my own chronic conditions. I would strongly recommend this book for therapists and lay persons alike. Well worth the outlay.

This book is very impressive. As a personal trainer I like to have solid references (ie not just online) so that I can refer to or show clients to help them understand. This book is informative, concise, easy to understand and has everything you need to know about stretching. I love the back section where you can search for stretches based on the sport or injury. It's rare I find a book worthy of a good review but this one has definitely earned it. The geek in me has already places post it notes throughout based on which clients it can help. Very impressed and well worth the money

I am looking for books with information to help improve my fitness to include stretching.It contains good information on areas of the body, yet not the specific area I am seeking informationIt had been returned