Product Description See inside every stretch--and maximize flexibility! Stretching Anatomy will arm you with the knowledge to increase range of motion, supplement training, enhance recovery, and maximize efficiency of movement. You'll also gain a detailed understanding of how each stretch affects your body.
Stretching Anatomy is like having an X-ray of each stretch, only better. Not only do you see full-color illustrations of the muscles in action, but you also find out how changes in position can alter the muscle emphasis and difficulty and how variations can improve safety and effectiveness.
Each exercise includes detailed instruction on how to stretch, when to stretch, primary and secondary muscle emphasis, and which muscles are activated for support. Stretching programs provide three levels of difficulty, including light stretching that can be used as a warm-up or to aid in recovery from soreness or injury. And summary movement tables show how to customize stretching programs to focus on key problem areas.
Whether it is increased flexibility or reduced muscle soreness or tension, Stretching Anatomy allows you to see and feel the benefit of proper stretching technique.
Want to stretch a specific muscle?February 25, 2010 benjamij(New Zealand) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Shows which muscles are meant to be stretched by which exercise so you know where you should be feeling the stretch.
Diagrams are superb as are exercise instructions.
Brilliant book.
Exaaaaaaaactly what I wanted to know!February 1, 2010 Patrice(USA) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The illustrations identify muscles and muscle groups very well, the text is informative without being too technical, the instructions are clear. Best of all, the actual stretches work wonders. I like knowing what I am supposed to be doing with each stretch, and here it all is!
Best illustrationsJanuary 19, 2010 Chad Hoffman 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book has the best illustrations and stretches out there. This book is a great value.
very informativeDecember 3, 2009 J. Blair(Michigan) 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have been trying to stretch correctly for years, but wasn't always targeting the right muscles. This book helps me target the right areas.
Stretching, flexibility, anatomy of muscles, muscle review, muscle actions.August 22, 2009 Annie MacKenzie(Saigon, Vietnam) 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Stretching Anatomy has lovely color illustrations of men and women performing the different stretches. The chapters are uncomplicated and it is easy to quickly reference all of the muscles and their actions. I really like the chapters on Arms, wrists and hands and also knees and thighs. Every illustrated stretch has a box beneath with a detailed color picture of the anatomy, all muscles are labeled clearly. You can quickly sort out any confusion you may have between similar sounding muscles. I get my Teres Major and minor muscles mixed up for example or my Flexor carpi radialis brevis and longus. A quick look in this book will set you straight in a short space of time.
Generally 2 pages are dedicated to each stretch, one page has the illustrations the other page has three short paragraphs, no more than several lines in each paragraph though. "Technique", "Muscles stretched" (most stretched and least stretched), and "Commentary" which gives you modifications, variations and various tips on deepening the stretch. The information is very brief. If you need more detail on muscles involved, or origins and insertions, this is not the book for you, explanations are limited to muscle action and pictures.
This is a very nice, simple and uncomplicated book, if you want a little more detail I would suggest spending around $5 more and getting "The anatomy of stretching" by Brad Walker (very similar titles)or at least review both books before buying to see which suits you best.
At the end of each chapter of "Stretching Anatomy" all muscles are listed down the left side of the page and the actions across the top of the page. Ticks symbols show the action of each muscle. This book is a useful tool for anyone reviewing muscles for their anatomy exams, massage therapists, fitness instructors, physiotherapists who are just starting out etc. The stretches shown for arms and wrists are my favorite. Whether you are a yoga instructor looking for a few new ways to warm up your students before their Asana practice (a good deal of the stretches shown remind me of yoga poses such as Janu Sirsasana, Baddah konasana, paschimottanasana, or you are a massage therapist educating your clients on self care, or an athlete looking for information on increasing flexibility this 143 page book is very handy as a reference book or as a guide to design your own stretching sequences.
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