A highly practical guide to achieving great results with stretching Did you long ago learn to fear and dread stretching because of overbearing P.E. teachers who forced you to touch your toes? It doesn't have to be that way anymore. Stretching is a powerful tool that can bring you new ease of movement, an increase in your physical capabilities, and deep composure that requires you to do nothing more than breathe. You can always have access to it—and best of all, it's free! Stretching for Dummies shows you that stretching is actually easy to do—and reveals how you can reap the amazing benefits of stretching anywhere, anytime. It explains in simple terms how you can stand taller, look thinner, keep stress from getting the best of you, keep your muscles from feeling achy, and nip injuries in the bud. You'll discover: The why’s, where’s, when’s, and how’s of letting loose and snapping back How to keep from hurting yourself The benefits of stretching with a partner How to target specific areas: such as head, shoulders, knees, and toes The art of breathing correctly How to use stretching to sooth lower back pain Stretches to start and end your day right Stretches you can do at your desk Stretches for various stages of life—including stretches for kids and seniors This easy-to-use reference also includes a list of ten surprising around-the house stretching accessories, along with ten common aches and pain that stretching can help. Regardless of how old or young you are, Stretching for Dummies will introduce you to a kinder and gentler form of flexibility that will reduce that nagging tension and tenderness in your muscles and truly make you feel good all over.

Illustrates stretching exercises designed to increase flexibility and help prevent injury, and suggests specific stretch routines for a variety of sports.

Forget gyms and hours of punishing fitness regimes; try these easy-to-follow 15-minute workout routines and stretch your way to a better body with 15 Minute Stretching Workout. Clear at-a-glance photos show you exactly what to do and the live action 60 minute DVD demonstrates each of the four key exercises so you can master techniques, and learn to wake up your body and improve your posture, flexibility and strength. A total fitness package - exercising at home has never been easier or quicker!

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.

Improve physical performance and overall health with these simple 15-minute stretches. Do you need quick yet effective stretches for a leaner, more flexible, stronger you? Then you’ll love these four 15-minute workout plans for beginners. This exercise book is filled with easy workouts to improve posture, strengthen muscles and help with injury recovery — and it includes sciatic stretches! Here’s what you’ll find inside: • Four illustrated step-by-step sequences: morning stretches, posture stretch, flexibility stretch and strength stretch • At-a-glance summaries of the complete 15-minute sequences • Clear step-by-step instructions, allowing you to get an instructor-led experience at home • General information on the benefits of stretching • Advice for beginners on safe practice and modifications for the sequences Stretching is for everyone: whether you’re a dancer or runner, you need relief from sitting behind a screen all day. A daily stretch routine can greatly alleviate aches and pains and improve your quality of life — it’s also a fantastic way to reduce stress! This workout book combines stretches found in yoga and pilates practices — and physical therapy. It also gives you strategies for healthy living and relaxation techniques. Each section has clear step-by-step photographs paired with easy-to-follow instructions and graphics to explain exactly what to do, understand which muscles to focus on, and where you need to feel the stretch. At the end of each 15-minute program, there’s an at-a-glance summary of the routine. 15-Minute Stretch will inspire you to slot these simple exercises into your schedule, so you reap the benefits of enhanced health and fitness. The 15-Minute series are easy-to-use exercise books for time-poor people, with a step-by-step approach for effective results. Fit exercise into your busy life with short but effective programs. Include 15-Minute Gentle Yoga, 15-Minute Pilates, 15-Minute Better Back for a total body workout.