Stretching is a fundamentally important part of sport and exercise, playing a role in improving performance, and preventing injury and rehabilitation, but its scientific underpinnings have, to this point, been overlooked in book publishing. The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching is the most up-to-date and comprehensive book to cover the underlying physiology and psychology of stretching, critically assessing why, when, and how we should stretch, as well as offering a highly illustrated, practical guide to stretching exercises. Placing stretching in the context of both health and performance, the first section of the book sets out the science behind stretching, critically assessing the benefits, disadvantages, and roles of different types of stretching, exploring the mechanisms behind increasing range-of-movement through stretching and other methods, and offering evidence-based guidance on building stretching into warm-ups. In its second section, the book provides a step-by-step guide to static, dynamic, and PRF stretching exercises for beginners, through recreational athletes, to elite performers. Richly illustrated, and including an online resource, The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching provides an important scientific enquiry into stretching, and an invaluable reference for any strength and conditioning coach or student, personal trainer, sports coach, or exercise scientist.

The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching is the most up-to-date and comprehensive book to cover the underlying physiology and psychology of flexibility enhancing techniques, critically assessing why, when, and how we should stretch, as well as offering a highly illustrated, practical guide to stretching exercises. This fully revised new edition not only updates the present information but adds new chapters on areas that have attracted substantial interest in the last 5 years such as foam rolling, vibration, global effects of stretching, alternative methods to increase flexibility (e.g., resistance training) and others. Richly illustrated, and including an online resource, The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching provides an important scientific inquiry into stretching as well as other flexibility enhancing techniques (e.g., foam rolling, vibration, resistance training, and others) and an invaluable reference for any strength and conditioning coach or student, personal trainer, sports coach, or exercise scientist.

An updated edition of the best-selling guide on the science of effective stretching—with detailed anatomical illustrations and guidance on proper form, sports injury recovery, and more The multiple stresses of contemporary life—whether from excessive sports play, overwork, or overuse of technology—are increasingly taking a toll on the body. Symptoms range from muscle soreness and pain to pinched nerves to potentially more permanent disabilities, including serious body injuries. One safe, quickly productive way to address the problem is through a simple therapy that can be done anywhere, anytime, and without special equipment: stretching. This new edition of Brad Walker’s best-selling book on the subject presents 135 unique stretching exercises designed to help repair the body and make it more flexible, fit, and relaxed. Organized by body part, The Anatomy of Stretching presents stretching exercises in a uniform style accompanied by full-color anatomical illustrations. Equally useful for fitness fans, pro or amateur athletes, coaches and personal trainers, and healthcare practitioners, this new edition contains: • Step-by-step instructions for 20 new stretches • An expanded physiology and anatomy information • A revised numbering system that makes the stretches easier to reference • An expanded appendix with more resources on stretches for athletes and sports injuries Also featuring detailed descriptions of important principles of anatomy and physiology, The Anatomy of Stretching, Second Edition is the ultimate guide to improving flexibility, increasing strength, and relieving pain through stretching.

Stretching Anatomy, Second Edition, is a visual guide to 86 stretches for increasing range of motion, muscular strength, stamina, posture, and flexibility. Step-by-step instructions describe how to perform each stretch, while 110 full-color anatomical illustrations highlight the primary muscles and surrounding structures engaged.

"Science of Flexibility has long been considered the leading reference on the topic, and this new edition reaffirms that status. No other book covers these concepts and principles better." "Based on the latest research, this completely revised and updated edition includes five new chapters, nearly doubling the content. These chapters discuss the hypermobility of joints, joint manipulation and chiropractic adjustment, controversial stretches, the relationship of stretching and special populations, and the functionality of stretching and flexibility for specific sports and health conditions." "With more than 1,400 scholarly and professional references and over 200 illustrations, photos, and tables, Science of Flexibility is invaluable for exercise scientists, health/fitness professionals, athletic trainers, sport physical therapists and chiropractors, massage therapists, instructors and practitioners of dance, yoga, and the martial arts."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Understanding the basics of stretching -- Focusing on facilitated stretching -- Using the spiral-diagonal patterns of PNF -- Stretches for the lower extremity -- Stretches for the upper extremity -- Stretches for the neck and torso -- Combining techniques to release fibrotic tissue -- Stretching routines for specific activities -- Routines for common soft tissue injuries.

The Science of Stretching is a research-based book that brings together the scientific principles of many different modalities of stretching and its application to the general and sporting populations. The book reviews static stretching, dynamic stretching, ballistic stretching, vibration platform, PNF, myofascial release, Pilates and Yoga, as well as post-operative, chronic and acute injury benefits. Appropriate prescription, application and expected outcomes are explained, which will revolutionize the way you choose to stretch. The effect of stretching on performance indicators, like delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), running economy, speed and power, as well as chronic pain, growth-related, acute and chronic injury and exercise-associated muscle cramp are all reviewed and discussed from the latest research. The research indicates both positive and negative outcomes from stretching on performance indicators and some modalities are more relevant for certain populations than others. This book will help you take the guesswork out of stretching, and is fully illustrated with 160 colour photographs and 10 diagrams.

Get healthy without getting hurt with this guide to warming up, getting limber, and preventing injury before you exercise. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fitness novice or an elite athlete. You should be starting each workout exactly the same way, with a stretching regimen designed to warm up your body and help you achieve a new personal best each time. Without the expertise of a professional trainer and without an expert’s understanding of muscle anatomy, it can be hard to know what exercises are best. In Anatomy of Stretching, renowned trainer Craig Ramsay shows every exerciser how to get limber and prevent injury. ·In Anatomy of Stretching, you’ll learn when and how to do a tricep stretch and a shoulder stretch, when to avoid toe touches and hamstring stretches, and why it’s important to keep your neck relaxed during a hip flexor stretch. ·While taking you through each movement step by step, Anatomy of Stretching also goes beneath the skin to allow you to see just which muscles you are working during each stretch. ·Throughout the book, more than 300 full-color images show every pose and every muscle in detail. Get limber—and get the most out of your workout—with Anatomy of Stretching!