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.

Whether you're an office worker wondering how to stretch that tight spot between your shoulders and neck,a martial artist wanting to do side-splits, a weekend athlete aiming to achieve more whole-body rotation to improve your golf swing or whether you just want to relax your back after housework, Kit Laughlin's bestselling Stretching & Flexibility will make it all possible.Inside you will find effective exercises for all the usual places people want to stretch: hips, hamstrings and legs-apart movements. In addition, there are hand, wrist and forearm exercises, a full range of neck and shoulder exercises and a variety of ankle and feet exercises. There are even exercises to help you spread your toes and strengthen your arches!

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.

Describes a total body routine designed to help people build muscle flexibility, strength, and balance, and includes specific routines for fitness and sports. Includes photographic sequences.

Put some spring in your step--simple stretches to soothe your soreness Movement is life--and stretching is an easy way for you to increase your flexibility, ease aches, and generally improve your quality of life. This easy-to-follow guide shows you how stretching long and slow can help you find fast pain relief and enhance your range of motion. Take a deep dive into how muscles work and the health benefits of stretching, including plenty of how-tos for beginning stretchers. Get moving with 70 fundamental stretches, all designed to target specific affected areas--or introduce stretching to your day-to-day using 25 routines that can be done anytime and anywhere. Stretching for Beginners includes: Beginner to limber--Jumpstart your stretching with guides to performing each stretch safely, proper breathing techniques, and more. Focus your flex--Extend your reach with illustrated step-by-steps for essential exercises--organized by anatomical regions. Home stretch--Find the right routine to relieve specific aches and pains, reduce daily stress, or warm up for a variety of activities. Stretch your possibilities, achieve a healthier, more flexible life with Stretching for Beginners.

Stretching our muscles provides a key to optimum health by improving circulation, maintaining muscle tone, and reducing everyday stress. In this easy-to-follow, 10-step format, Stretching for Flexibility & Health tells you all you need to know about muscle fitness and offers more than 100 stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises for each part of the body. St. George describes the various body systems, answers commonly asked questions about muscles and movement, shows how and when to stretch, explains how to prepare and train for a sport at any age, and offers daily routines. This is the definitive guide for all levels of fitness -- from beginners starting an exercise program to experienced athletes wanting to reduce the risk of injury.