Everyone knows that stretching is good for you, for all sorts of reasons -- but the most important one is rarely mentioned. Stretching feels great to do and leaves you feeling wonderful. How to get the most out of this aspect of stretching is part of what the book is about.
No matter whether you're an office worker wondering how to stretch that tight spot between your shoulders and neck or a martial artist wanting to do side-splits, this is the book for you. Or possibly you're a weekend athlete and you want to know how to get more whole-body rotation to improve your golf swing. Perhaps you've just finished gardening or the housework and you want to know how to relax your back. Or maybe you simply want to know what's the best way to stretch your hamstrings.
Whatever your interest in stretching, this book will provide the techniques you need, from the easiest exercises to the most difficult. It is organised into 15 lessons, plus an 'unnumbered' one which you can do anytime to check your progress. The book features:
* 96 stretching exercises, plus additional warm-up movements
* exercises which use the Contract-Relax (C-R) method
* advanced stretching movements
* exercises for all parts of the body, including hands and feet
* exercises for athletes, grouped by sports
* exercises shown in partner and solo versions
* over 700 photographs
* many illustrations of key anatomical details
Stretching is healthy and natural: animals do it all the time. Stretching can alter consciousness by releasing tension in both the body and the mind. Laughlin, who teaches at the Australian National University Sports Union, has developed a comprehensive stretching program that combines basic warm-ups and yoga-type postures performed solo and with a partner to stretch virtually every muscle in the body. To explain exactly what takes place during these workouts, Laughlin provides accurate anatomical diagrams which show precisely which muscle groups are involved in various movements of the body, and the book's more than 700 photographs may be all readers need to perform the stretches he recommends, but the text is extremely clear and detailed as well. Laughlin presents nearly 100 exercises in all, and every part of the body is covered, from neck muscles down to fingers and toes. This is an excellent guide for athletes, health instructors, physical therapists, and all who want to increase their flexibility, strength, and peace of mind. David Siegfried
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