The Anatomy of Stretching, by Brad Walker, is the perfect companion to any athlete who wants to learn how and why to stretch specific muscles for sports.
The best way to learn how to stretch a muscle properly is to understand basic anatomy, to learn where the smaller muscles are, and then to visualize each muscle stretching as it occurs. This book goes a long way to help anyone learn how to stretch the right muscles in the right way.
Clear Illustrations of Muscles During Stretching Exercises
The Anatomy of Stretching does an amazing job of showing you how a particular stretch works to engage specific muscle groups. While other stretching books and guides simply show the body position for a stretch, Brad Walker actually takes us inside the body and clearly highlights exactly what happens when we stretch. Full-color illustrations provide a visual explanation of the primary and secondary muscles being stretched in 115 different stretches.
The Anatomy of Stretching not only provides clean, clear illustrations of each stretch, but it highlights what sports would benefit from the stretch, injuries for which the stretch may be helpful, common problems or errors while performing the stretch, and complimentary stretches.
Anatomy, Yes. Physiology, No.
The Anatomy of Stretching is simply that -- anatomy. The book provides a great visual illustration of the general structure and alignment of the muscles that are stretched. An explanation regarding the physiology of stretching is provided in a broad overview in the earlier chapters. This section is very basic, and anyone with a background in exercise science will likely be disappointed by its limited scope.
I would have liked to read a section about the the importance of myofascial release and the use of stretching aids, including the foam roller or trigger point massage, as an essential part of a complete flexibility routine.
About Author Brad Walker
Author Brad Walker is know for his innovative books on stretching and has years of expertise working with elite athletes. This book builds upon his tried and true methods of improving flexibility for sports while designing an easy-to-use format that is visually precise and clean. He also includes sections about the physiology of flexibility, the various types of stretching methods and the benefits of stretching.
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