Stretching, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition

Stretching, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition Features

Additional Stretching, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition Information

Now, fitness is such old hat that it's even had a backlash or two. Lots of the original ideas have been called into question, including the preeminence of aerobic exercise. But flexibility is bigger than ever; Pilates and yoga are two of the fastest-growing fitness programs in the U.S. in the early 2000s. The type of stretching Anderson recommends--called "static," meaning you sit in one place and hold the stretch for a specified amount of time--isn't exactly trendy, but it remains the most accessible way for entry-level exercisers to improve their flexibility. (Or, perhaps more important, to keep from losing whatever flexibility they have as they get older.)

Those who already have the version of the book that's been put out by Shelter Publications since 1980 won't find a whole lot that's new in this 20th-anniversary version. Some of the simple drawings by Anderson's wife, Jean, have been updated to show athletes in sport-specific outfits doing stretching routines, and there are more routines than before. The new edition includes routines for children, stretches to do in front of the TV, and some exercises to do before and after gardening. Plus, the old staples remain--stretching routines for all muscle groups, and pre- and postplay sequences for common sports (football, baseball, basketball) and a few uncommon ones (equestrian, motocross, rodeo). He's also created routines for sports that barely existed in 1980, such as snowboarding, triathloning, and inline skating.

The constant in Stretching is ease of use. Anderson doesn't need a lot of complex explanations because the drawings are so easy to follow. He makes it clear that stretching should make you feel better, not worse, and that it's not a competition. Any little bit you can do is better than not doing anything. That's a timeless message, which is why his book has been such an valuable reference for the past 20 years. --Lou Schuler

What Customers Say About Stretching, 20th Anniversary Revised Edition:

IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEM AND YOU NEED VERY SPECIFIC INFORMATION, YOU WILL NOT FIND IT IN THIS BOOK. It teaches you to stretch certain areas of the body: lower back, front of shoulders, etc. This book rarely mentions specific muscles. This book is written for children or the general population looking for a General Stretch in general areas. IF you are looking to stretch SPECIFIC MUSCLES, this book is totally worthless. For example, because of a medical problem, I need to stretch a specific muscle, which of course is not to be named or found anywhere in this book. IF you are looking to stetch specific muscle groups, do a search on the internet, don't waste your money on this book. On the internet, there are videos and pictures that are much more specific and helpful than this book.

Arrived in good time. Item was not wrapped well and was slightly damaged on arrival.

My only complaints are the book could be better organized. Great book. Every stretch you'll ever need. It would be nice if the illustrations were a bit more detailed.but those are minor issues. Highly recommend this book.

I had borrowed this book from my dojo's library, and after not returning it for 3 months, I was thrilled to get my own copy to keep. The book includes common stretches and some that were new to me, but the best part of the book is the simple illustrations and the way they are organized, based on area of the body that one wants to stretch or improve or based on the sport you might be stretching for. This book is relevant for beginners, non-exercisers and athletes alike. My favorite chapters were ankle and foot stretching, stretching while watching TV, and stretching at the office.

I really like this book.You will to lots of stretching to make your body feel good.