Science of Stretch: Reach Your Flexible Potential, Stay Active, Maximize Mobility

by Leada Malek

Explore new movements and alleviate stiff joints with more than 100 exercises designed to keep you flexible, energized, and active for life.

Pain and stiffness can create fear and uncertainty in our ability to move, affecting quality of life. Exercise has continuously proven to be beneficial against disease, yet people are becoming increasingly sedentary.

More than a quarter of the world's population is insufficiently active and it's time we remove barriers to exercise and encourage movement exploration. The Science of Stretch is your guide to understanding the human body's resilient and adaptable nature and how stretching can play a role in achieving your highest well-being.

Inside the pages of this book you'll learn
-The latest research on stretching
-Human anatomy and physiology
-The nervous system and pain science
-How to reduce injury risk with exercise
-Managing a lifestyle catered towards healthy aging
-What happens to the body when we stretch
-Different types of stretching and how to implement them to best compliment your daily life or sporting activities
-Finally, a series of suggested stretch routines are outlined, each with a progressive increase in challenge and tailored to different abilities and fitness objectives-alongside the tools to create your own bespoke workouts.

Every exercise is anatomized in detail to make movement easily understood using CGI artworks to show how each muscle is correctly activated and each joint aligned. Whether you're taking a walk around the park or running a marathon, Science of Stretch will help you stay flexible, keep active, and remove the uncertainty from stretching.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Fitness, Science, Bodies, Sports, Biology

679 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2023

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in this 'series' that I have read (Science of Strength Training: Understand the anatomy and physiology to transform your body) and I would say that despite there being 2 different authors, some of the science is repeated almost, if not entirely, verbatim. And again, I wonder how much of is relevant for (what I can assume) is the most common use for this/these types of books. I assume most people are using these as an introduction to stuff like this - e.g. programmes to follow and/or to broaden knowledge of specific movements.

Having said that, this book lends itself to use at home a bit better than the other one I've read. And I guess the same could be said for Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice and Science of Pilates: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice, however, I personally go to classes for these disciplines and leave the form/knowledge, etc., with the instructors.

Overall, it is a really good introduction to stretching, the benefits, and the best ways to integrate that with other sports/strength training. Of the two, it is probably the book I would refer back to and reference more often for different stretches depending on tightness, pain, and goals. But I do still think that quick video references would cover a lot of this book in a lot less.

I'm not sure there's much more the author/series could do beyond creating video content that would then have to be locked somehow so only someone who has purchased the book can access it - not easily possible, I am aware. The movements and exercises are well described, but I feel like most people would benefit from a video over a book for the sort of content this is covering.

[Milan Buno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tak ako predošlé knihy z tejto série - skvele spracovaná plnofarebná príručka, detailné ilustrácie, anatómia strečingu a zaujímavé informácie. Účinky a výhody strečingu, ako funguje, typy strečingu, ako vplýva na zotavenie, pri starnutí, po zranení ap.
Gro tvoria strečingové cvičenia - na krk a chrbticu, na plecia a ruky, na bedrá, na nohy a chodidlá, na mobilitu nervov.
V závere sú strečingové rutiny na jednotlivé partie, strečing pre bežcov, plavcov, cyklistov ap.
Výborná, prehľadná a praktická príručka.

[Elizabeth Schlatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Like all in this series by DK, this book provides very accessible information about the topic, along with excellent graphics that help explain what is happening during a stretch. Loads of stretches are provided, along with variations, suggestions for routines based on activity levels and types, and in-depth information about what's going on in the muscles, joints, and nerves during stretching.

[Carol H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought the book so I can take all the time I need to read n(reread) and practice the stretches for healthy movement and growth. The illustrations are superb and easy to follow.

Topics that resonated with me:
Nature and Theories of Pain
Movement and Brain Gains
Hip Overview
Nerve Mobility Exercises

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really well done. I grabbed it at the library on a whim when I saw it on the new books shelf. I go to a yin style yoga class that is all about stretching so I was very familiar with the shapes and I really liked seeing the science and muscle usage in a clear and informative format. It adds dimensions to my practice to have more knowledge on the particulars.

[Joaquín Planas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tool for everybody searching to understand the human body mechanics and to get better while having an active life. The illustrations are magnificent, well explained and with tons of information. Leada Malek has done a must read!

[Juan Galarza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with detailed information regarding the anatomy of the human body and the muscles associated with movement. Provides stretches for every muscle group and thoroughly explains their benefits.

[Judith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated with clear captions and explanations. Most of the poses--98%--I do in yoga already. Also has routines for various exercise fans, e.g. running, weight lifting, and for the elderly.

[Claire Neilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive stretching guide

Very good information on the anatomy and physiology of stretching. Just be careful to always move within your own range of motion and not overdo stretching.

[KFK · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second book of this series and, again, loved it. The scientific explanations, the honesty when giving information and showing how each body part is used in every exercise. Have tried some of the exercises but need to recover from a calf tear/strain before I give some programmes a go.

[Christy Copeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, great illustrations

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It is clear, informative and worth every moment put into it. The color-coded graphics make this book.

[Joanne McKinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Includes routines for everyone. Describes the how and why stretching is so beneficial. The illustrations are also a big help. The nerve glides are now part of my routine.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty pictures, not much science :(

[Aude Hofleitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book of the month for Donner Party Mountain Runners
https://donnerpartymountainrunners.co...

[Emily Pryor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful with strengthening my back.

[Johannes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sehr anschauliches Buch mit vielen guten Bildern und interessanten Fakten.