Bill Pearl

This is the first book that I got on stretching, and still the oft mentioned classic. I have read and own several other books that are often overwhelming in their complexity & as I look at the routines, I think that perhaps someday I will get around to learning part of a routine and then get to the rest later, but I never do. This book has simple stretches, and simple illustrations that are doable by someone who is an ordinary person with limited time for this necessary activity.

Anyone can show more do it. For example: Page 110 starts with the words
Spontaneous Stretches
"You can't say you don't have time to stretch. Reading a paper, talking on the phone, waiting for a bus... these are times for easy, relaxed stretching. Be creative; think of stretches to do during normally wasted time."
The rest of page 110 has six simple illustrations of stretches thrown into daily activities.

I gave a copy to a brother and he was thanking me for years after.

If you only buy one stretching book, this is a great choice.

For a book with human illustrations (rather than the sketches that this one has) see: Complete Stretching: A New Exercise Program for Health and Vitality. Complete Stretching has less text, which makes it easier to read, but the explanations are still excellent. They make it the why and how abundantly clear. In addition, Complete Stretching is based on 3,500 years of refining technique. show less

Well, OK, this is definitely going to reveal my age... In my workout bag, I keep a coil bound notebook containing lists and articles with favorite workouts, and some new ones that I want to try out for variety. My favorite stretching routine is from an article that originally appeared as an insert in Runner's World magazine. I still have the original, and have photocopied it for my workout book many times over the years.

This material was eventually expanded and published by Shelter show more Publications in 1980. Over the years this classic has been printed in 23 languages, and expanded to cover many sports and occupations. The 30th Anniversary edition includes 10 new stretching routines for office workers, and tips on office ergonomics and prevention of repetitive stress injuries.

Each stretch is illustrated by one or more simple drawings. The 150 stretches are first presented in groups by body part. Various stretches are then grouped to provide 37 routines for different sports, 17 routines for daily activities, and 10 routines for office workers and computer users. Everyone should be able to find a suitable stretching routine here. show less

I know why I don't have a lot of sports books, especially of the do-it-yourself variety. I buy them, am full of good resolutions, put colored bookmarks all over the place and then never use it again.... Same here. It's a good book, just very unused.

Excellent small book of stretching techniques for all over the body. Great for my MS body!