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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.