A highly practical guide to achieving great results with stretching
Did you long ago learn to fear and dread stretching because of overbearing P.E. teachers who forced you to touch your toes? It doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Stretching is a powerful tool that can bring you new ease of movement, an increase in your physical capabilities, and deep composure that requires you to do nothing more than breathe. You can always have access to it–and best of all, it’s free!
Stretching for Dummies shows you that stretching is actually easy to do–and reveals how you can reap the amazing benefits of stretching anywhere, anytime. It explains in simple terms how you can stand taller, look thinner, keep stress from getting the best of you, keep your muscles from feeling achy, and nip injuries in the bud. You’ll discover:
* The why’s, where’s, when’s, and how’s of letting loose and snapping back
* How to keep from hurting yourself
* The benefits of stretching with a partner
* How to target specific areas: such as head, shoulders, knees, and toes
* The art of breathing correctly
* How to use stretching to sooth lower back pain
* Stretches to start and end your day right
* Stretches you can do at your desk
* Stretches for various stages of life–including stretches for kids and seniors
This easy-to-use reference also includes a list of ten surprising around-the house stretching accessories, along with ten common aches and pain that stretching can help. Regardless of how old or young you are, Stretching for Dummies will introduce you to a kinder and gentler form of flexibility that will reduce that nagging tension and tenderness in your muscles and truly make you feel good all over.
विषयसूची
Introduction 1
Part I: The Why’s, Where’s, When’s, and How’s of Letting Loose and Snapping Back 7
Chapter 1: Here a Stretch, There a Stretch, Everywhere a Stretch, Stretch 9
Chapter 2: Preparing for a More Flexible You 19
Chapter 3: Testing Your Flexibility to Establish Your Stretching Routine 29
Part II: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: Targeting Specific Areas 45
Chapter 4: Taking It from the Top: Upper Body Stretches 47
Chapter 5: Centering on the Core: Stretches for Your Middle 67
Chapter 6: Soothing Your Lower Back without Paying for a Massage 77
Chapter 7: From Your Knickers to Your Kickers: Stretches for your Bottom Half 93
Chapter 8: Total-Body Stretch Routines 115
Part III: From the Daily Grind to Ways to Unwind: Routines to Fit Your Life and Needs 135
Chapter 9: When the Cock Crows and the Evening Wind Blows: AM/PM Stretch Routines 137
Chapter 10: Stretching Out the Workday: Stretches for Work and for the Road 151
Chapter 11: Basic Warm-Up and Cool-Down Stretch Routines 165
Chapter 12: My Favorite Stretches for Specific Sports 187
Part IV: Getting Limber As You Live: Stretches for Various Life Stages 205
Chapter 13: What to Stretch When You’re Expecting and After 207
Chapter 14: Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Stretches 217
Chapter 15: Seventh Inning Stretch: Special Stuff for Seniors 233
Part V: The Part of Tens 243
Chapter 16: Ten Common Aches and Pains and Stretches that Can Help 245
Chapter 17: Ten Surprising Around-the-House Stretching Accessories 249
Index 253
लेखक के बारे में
La Reine Chabut is a lifestyle and fitness expert, certified fitness instructor, and personal trainer. She has appeared on CNN, FOX News, EXTRA, Access Hollywood, and other television programs.