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.

Stretching for Functional Flexibility is a reference guide for the safe, effective, and efficient application of stretching exercises to improve range of motion and movement potential. Based on the most current research, this text is a valuable reference for physical, occupational and massage therapists, athletic trainers, fitness trainers, coaches, sports and orthopedic physicians, doctors of chiropractic, and many other professionals dealing with the health and performance of the musculoskeletal system. The text provides all of the information necessary to design and implement a safe and effective stretching program. A companion Website will offer the fully searchable text and an image bank for instructors.

Physical fitness affects our ability to function and be active. At poor levels, it is associated with such health outcomes as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Physical fitness testing in American youth was established on a large scale in the 1950s with an early focus on performance-related fitness that gradually gave way to an emphasis on health-related fitness. Using appropriately selected measures to collected fitness data in youth will advance our understanding of how fitness among youth translates into better health. In Fitness Measures and Health Outcomes in Youth, the IOM assesses the relationship between youth fitness test items and health outcomes, recommends the best fitness test items, provides guidance for interpreting fitness scores, and provides an agenda for needed research. The report concludes that selected cardiorespiratory endurance, musculoskeletal fitness, and body composition measures should be in fitness surveys and in schools. Collecting fitness data nationally and in schools helps with setting and achieving fitness goals and priorities for public health at an individual and national level.

Barron's Anatomy and 100 Essential Stretching Exercises helps you improve your flexibility, overcome physical ailments, and increase your overall sense of well-being. This comprehensive guide features over 100 stretching exercises to help you improve your range of motion, decrease discomfort, and prevent injuries. Easy-to-understand exercises are clearly illustrated and contain simple, precise instructions for the proper way to stretch every part of your body. This guide includes: Effective exercises for athletes, non-athletes, and those searching for pain relief associated with injuries Step-by-step methods for the most effective exercise routines Anatomical descriptions of the parts of the body and the muscles being worked Photographic representations of each exercise, with detailed illustrations of the primary and secondary muscles Explanatory text that ensures correct techniques and proper safety precautions The numbers of repetitions needed depending on fitness levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) and the physiological benefits of each exercise A quick reference guide to the most beneficial stretches for specific ailments, and more

"The text provides a useful overview of PNF stretching - safe and easy-to-use method that involves stretching the muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, then stretching it again to a new range of motion." "Whether you're a fitness professional, therapist, coach, athlete, or student, Facilitated Stretching, Third Edition, will help you assess current muscle function, improve range of motion, increase strength, reduce overuse injuries, and enhance performance."--BOOK JACKET.

"Stretching with Ease" is a user-friendly, fully illustrated instructional manual for creating your perfect personal stretching program. Why should I stretch? What muscles should I stretch? How will it help me? You’ll find the answers to these questions and much more in Stretching with Ease. Discover the many ways you can work with your body to assist it to be fluid and flexible. Your body is built for movement and with stretching and flexibility training you increase both your ease of movement and life quality. Fitness expert Linda Minarik takes you from the basics and benefits of stretching, to all you need to know to make stretching a lifelong habit. Part I offers the important background information necessary before you begin to stretch, including using the tool of breathing. Part II provides clear directions for 76 essential stretches that target different muscle groups—they can all be easily done at home without any special equipment. Along with detailed instructions and helpful tips, each stretch includes a color photograph with an anatomical illustration so you can actually see inside the stretch. This visual reference enhances your understanding and practice of the movement. Part III has effective step-by-step stretch routines to accomplish different goals, such as relieving tension, stiffness or pain, and preparing for various daily activities and sports. Part IV offers invaluable resources to enrich your flexibility experience, including useful lifestyle tips and how to create your own routines. Stretching with Ease offers the practical guidance and supportive encouragement you need to develop a body that moves easily—and loves to move!