Full-Body Flexibility

In this second edition Jay Blahnik updates his three step method for increasing flexibility. The three steps: 1) maximize your range of motion, 2) minimize the difference between your active and passive flexibility and 3) equalize the range of motion in all quadrants of your body. Blahnik starts by describing stretching basics - types of stretches, how to breath, when to stretch (preferably after exercise, when your muscles are warm). In the second section he describes stretches for each region of the body and certain muscles or muscle groups. Each stretch gets a full page, illustrated with full color photographs that demonstrate positioning and when necessary, direction of movement. The photographs are large enough for you to see show more details without eye strain. I esp. liked the breathing instructions at the bottom of each page. Most of these stretches will be familiar to those who practice yoga or pilates. In the third section Blahnik groups various stretches into specific routines. So far I've tried the warm-up, the cool-down, both yoga routines and the stress-free neck and shoulders routine. Each routine was fairly straightforward and the instructions are very accessible.
This book is an excellent resource for stretching and flexibility exercises. I actually recommended the book to my friend's daughter; she's studying sports medicine/rehabilitation. show less

I absolutely LOVE the Human Kinetics publications. I have [Dance Anatomy], [Stretching Anatomy], and [Fitness Illustrated]. I love the layout, the depth of information, and most of all the illustrations that highlight exactly what area is being worked. That is THE #1 selling point to me.

But Full-Body Flexibility has a different layout and none of those awesome illustrations. There's a ton of great information here, and the photos are crisp and clear with fit models. Instructions are clear, too. And this one has the exercises broken down into sections passive and active. The coolest feature is in Chapter 10, General Stretch Routines organized by minutes. Only got 10 minutes to move through standing stretches for the whole body? It's show more here. You want to do a 10-minute yoga-inspired stretch warm-up? It's here. So are stretch workouts for 20 and 40 minutes. It's a great tool.

My gripe is that I'm totally spoiled by the other format of the Anatomy Series books. They aren't trying to fool the reader; this one doesn't even have "anatomy" in the title. It's my hang-up. If it weren't for that, I'd probably give this baby 5 stars. Yeah, 5 stars. Jay Blahnik's 3-step method is to maximize, minimize, and equalize. Overall, it's a great book. It's not his fault the publisher spoiled me with those illustrations. If you love/need/have to stretch, this is an excellent book no matter what your level. show less

Full-Body Flexibility could not have come into my hands at a better time. I am in the process of regaining full mobility of one of my knees as the result of knee replacement surgery. I was becoming frustrated with the lack of progress through the routines prescribed for me and felt I needed something different. This helped me immeasurably.

Let me begin with a disclaimer: consult you medical provider before you undertake any change in your present workout routines. What works for one person may not work for another. Listen to your body and your medical provider if you have any problems with these exercises.

Jay Blahnik has done a great job of collecting truly useful stretching exercises that incorporate some of the latest in sports show more medicine. What sets this book apart is not the exercises, but the clear language used throughout to explain the background of why stretching is so important, the easy to follow directions for each stretch and the accompanying photographs.

I am far from the most athletic person in the world, and I am approaching a “certain age”, yet I had no problems with most of the exercises shown. Yes, some of the more extreme stretches are beyond my capability, but the author does not make anyone who cannot do ALL the exercises feel inadequate. Quite the opposite: I’ve become inspired to do more.

Once you have some of the basics mastered, there is a section on the back, Part III, with suggested routines you can incorporate into your present workout. They are divided up by time and related activity, so you can easily tailor the routine to your needs.

If you are presently active, becoming more active or want to increase your activity and mobility levels, you owe it yourself to acquire this book. Excellent reference material and excellent all the way around. show less

This is a solid, comprehensive primer on stretching. No matter what your goal, this book will be able to help you accomplish it. It's broken into three sections: a total body stretch system; a section broken down into "regions of flexibility" which allows you to pick a troubled body part and focus on it; and a section with routines targeted to fitness and specific sports.

The latter section was most helpful to me. I've been a distance runner for over 30 years but came to marathoning late in life. Now in my early 50s, I find that stretching is more important than ever. Especially if I hope to continue running without injury.

The large photographs and detailed instructions are well-executed. Most exercises can be done without "props" such show more as exercise balls on stretch bands. show less

This is a beautifully designed, clear-as-day book on maintaining/recovering superior flexibility. Must read material for any one interested in improving their body, hence their health. This is as easy as it gets: simple, thorough, fully illustrated and explained. This should should be mandatory reading for all young people to build lifelong strength and suppleness. I wish this book had been around when i was young and before my wreck. Thankfully, it is never too late to start de-creaking my joints and strengthening my muscles. Read it and start practicing it now before an injury forces you to regret your procrastination.

This book is a very thorough compendium of stretching exercises, complete with pictures, step by step directions, and breathing suggestions for over 200 different stretches. A chart at the beginning shows what each stretch targets and allows customization of routines, while the latter chapters give you specialty routines for particular problems. My one wish would be for a blank chart to record personal notes and personalized routines; I looked on the website but saw nothing there either.

The value of stretching in any kind of exercise simply cannot be overestimated! That's how our muscles get a surge of life-improving oxygen from the blood. As a long-time practitioner of yoga, I find stretching immensely beneficial. That's why "Full-Body Flexibility" by Jay Blahnik got my full and serious attention. Many of the stretching postures are, in fact, those of yoga, and all are presented with clear instructions and photos. By going through the book I feel sure I can incorporate a lot of very adequately explained techniques and exercises into my own workout.