What do you think?
Rate this book
Stretching
The book Stretching was first published in 1975 when fitness awareness was in its infancy. Stretching has since sold over two million copies in the USA and has been published in 24 foreign editions worldwide. Now after twenty-one years and with many other books on the market, it has become the most widely-used and recommended book on stretching and its popularity continues to grow each year. The reasons for this may be the book's simple, user-friendly organization, the easy to follow individual stretches and principles, the ample line drawings by Jean Anderson, and the need for every body to stretch.
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
101 people are currently reading
1367 people want to read
About the author
Bob Anderson
184 books16 followersBob is a speaker, author and CEO and founder of Back to Basics for Success, LLC. His message advocates doing hard things, especially when it's unpopular or uncomfortable to do so; simple and back to basics. He believes in unwavering commitment and courage. He believes success is earned, not given; it's a privilege, not a right.
Bob retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) with over 32 years of service. His last military assignment was in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Security Force Manager of the 732d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, responsible for a 221 person squadron located throughout Iraq, which included two law enforcement detachments and 24 military working dog teams.
He served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 147th Fighting Wing at Ellington Field, Texas Air National Guard, Security Force Manage and as a First Sergeant for a Security Force Squadron and a Medical Squadron.
Earlier in Bob’s Air Force career, he served 10 years on active duty. During that time he was team commander (or TAC Leader) for one of the first Security Police Tactical Neutralization Teams. The threat of terrorism both domestic and abroad forced the USAF to deal with the increasing risk of "high risk" situations including anti-hijack operations, dangerous felons, and the protection of nuclear weapons, which could have included recapture and recovery operations. His team was the only one at that time that contained organic hostage negotiators. An Honor Graduate of the Security Police Tech School, he served as a Desk Sergeant, Security Police Investigator and Crime Prevention Specialist. He was also selected for a concurrent tour with Drug Enforcement Agency as an Intelligence Analyst.
His awards and citations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal/ 3 devices, Air Force Commendation/1 device, Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraqi Freedom Medal.
Bob is a qualified rappel master and holds a 2nd degree black belt in karate. He and his wife Pamela reside in rural southern Missouri.
Bob retired as a Chief Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force Reserve (USAFR) with over 32 years of service. His last military assignment was in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served as the Security Force Manager of the 732d Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, responsible for a 221 person squadron located throughout Iraq, which included two law enforcement detachments and 24 military working dog teams.
He served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 147th Fighting Wing at Ellington Field, Texas Air National Guard, Security Force Manage and as a First Sergeant for a Security Force Squadron and a Medical Squadron.
Earlier in Bob’s Air Force career, he served 10 years on active duty. During that time he was team commander (or TAC Leader) for one of the first Security Police Tactical Neutralization Teams. The threat of terrorism both domestic and abroad forced the USAF to deal with the increasing risk of "high risk" situations including anti-hijack operations, dangerous felons, and the protection of nuclear weapons, which could have included recapture and recovery operations. His team was the only one at that time that contained organic hostage negotiators. An Honor Graduate of the Security Police Tech School, he served as a Desk Sergeant, Security Police Investigator and Crime Prevention Specialist. He was also selected for a concurrent tour with Drug Enforcement Agency as an Intelligence Analyst.
His awards and citations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal/ 3 devices, Air Force Commendation/1 device, Air Force Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Iraqi Freedom Medal.
Bob is a qualified rappel master and holds a 2nd degree black belt in karate. He and his wife Pamela reside in rural southern Missouri.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
October 7, 2012
It feels silly to review a book about stretching, but I gave it five stars so I figured what the heck. I got this book out from the library because I have lower back and leg pain. I watch videos on Youtube for yoga, exercises, and stretches to try to ease this pain, but sometimes I just want something straight to the point and I don't want to watch a ten minute video trying to remember a specific move. This book is perfect for this and I'm going to buy a copy just so I can refer to it in the future. You get figures with shading to show exactly what part you're stretching and it's not flashy or exciting but it does the job.
This book is separated into stretches for each different body part and also for specific athletes, such as how to stretch before and after playing golf or football and also for non-athletes, such as stretches for travelers and office workers. This book is incredibly in-depth; if you want to learn how to stretch something, it's more than likely included in this book. Are you stiff after gardening or sore after snow boarding? Do you have lower back tension or want to learn how to do the splits? All of that and more is in this book. (I am not being paid to say any of this, although I sound like an infomercial ...)
I already feel like I've learned, and retained, quite a bit from this book and it's truly been helpful with my daily pain management. Over 3 million people can't be wrong!
...
: \
This book is separated into stretches for each different body part and also for specific athletes, such as how to stretch before and after playing golf or football and also for non-athletes, such as stretches for travelers and office workers. This book is incredibly in-depth; if you want to learn how to stretch something, it's more than likely included in this book. Are you stiff after gardening or sore after snow boarding? Do you have lower back tension or want to learn how to do the splits? All of that and more is in this book. (I am not being paid to say any of this, although I sound like an infomercial ...)
I already feel like I've learned, and retained, quite a bit from this book and it's truly been helpful with my daily pain management. Over 3 million people can't be wrong!
...
: \
August 4, 2017
Used this well illustrated guide when I suffered from back problems. Easy to follow with suggested routines to get you back to shape for any sports or just everyday living.
January 17, 2008
A woman with a black belt in karate recommended this book to me years ago, saying it "changed her life". I couldn't believe it was that good but damn it, it's that good! Pretty simple really: a section with stretching instructions and tips, a set of stretches for everyday situations (computing, gardening, back pain...) and the best part - complete stretching programs for specific sports and activities (kayaking, table tennis, rodeo!). All easy to absorb with cute little line drawings of people showing you the moves. Simply indispensable!
August 28, 2018
The older you get, the more you tighten up. This leads to pain, balance issues, and loss of mobility. This book will teach you how to remain flexible.
November 25, 2013
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 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.
Anyone can 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.
April 2, 2008
I love this book because of its thoroughness and its simple organization. It is really useful for anybody that wants to increase their flexibility.
There are two different ways to access information in the book, both of which are very useful.
First, you can look stretches up by the area of the body. For example, if you want to increase the flexibility in your hips, back, or wrists you can just go to the appropriate section and review the stretches. There is a summary at the end that can be copied for easy reference and you always have the more detailed picture in the book to go back to if you forget how the stretch works.
Secondly, you can look up stretches by activity. So, if you play soccer regularly, you may want to add a bookmark to the soccer page. If you are playing golf for the first time in years, be sure to check out the golf page to stretch while you are out there.
This has been a great resource for me as a bodyworker since I have clients that are susceptible to repetitive stress injuries due to their work and need very localized stretches and also need small reminders for their workstations. I also have a client who complained that every time he bowls, he comes back sore and injured, so I showed him the bowling section of the book!
There are two different ways to access information in the book, both of which are very useful.
First, you can look stretches up by the area of the body. For example, if you want to increase the flexibility in your hips, back, or wrists you can just go to the appropriate section and review the stretches. There is a summary at the end that can be copied for easy reference and you always have the more detailed picture in the book to go back to if you forget how the stretch works.
Secondly, you can look up stretches by activity. So, if you play soccer regularly, you may want to add a bookmark to the soccer page. If you are playing golf for the first time in years, be sure to check out the golf page to stretch while you are out there.
This has been a great resource for me as a bodyworker since I have clients that are susceptible to repetitive stress injuries due to their work and need very localized stretches and also need small reminders for their workstations. I also have a client who complained that every time he bowls, he comes back sore and injured, so I showed him the bowling section of the book!
May 18, 2009
My shoulder has been bothering me from too much computer stuff, then I remembered this book which is an excellent yet simple and comprehensive guide that gives the reader easily understood drawings of how to do many different kinds of stretches. The book has a simple to use index making it easy to find the kind of stretch you need quickly. It also has pages for specific kinds of stretching for different activities. For example, you can copy a page for computer desk stretches and put it in your desk drawer or the one for hiking in your back pack. You can't beat that!
February 16, 2008
This book can make you feel better everyday. I feel like I'm already more aware of my body; however, this is a person who is unfamiliar with yoga. Anyways, the methodology of stretching was new to me, and I highly recommend this book to anybody.
It's also good for not feeling sore.
It's also good for not feeling sore.
October 5, 2009
Great book-- has tons of 4-9 min. stretching routines that I've been doing and they feel so good! There are routines for before or after certain sports, while watching TV, first thing in the morning, computer and desk stretches...
January 1, 2010
This book is good.
It's great.
I gave it to my brother for christmas. So much information. The last part of the book has pages and pages of every day stretches that are all on one page (depending on the activity your stretching for)
GREAT BOOK
Highly recommended for ownership.
It's great.
I gave it to my brother for christmas. So much information. The last part of the book has pages and pages of every day stretches that are all on one page (depending on the activity your stretching for)
GREAT BOOK
Highly recommended for ownership.
November 1, 2017
This edition is a Spanish translation from the original English.
An easy, useful, and complete guide to stretching, with helpful illustrations by Jean Anderson.
In my opinion, highly recommendable.
An easy, useful, and complete guide to stretching, with helpful illustrations by Jean Anderson.
In my opinion, highly recommendable.
February 17, 2010
OK, this may not be your typical book to pick to read, however I bought it this week-end and it is a great stretch book. Very easy to follow and very beneficial!
October 15, 2008
via:Kris Young
October 28, 2016
This is an excellent resource for anyone for exercises regularly, and even for those who don't. I am not big on working out (at ALL), but I do try to stretch a few times a week for flexibility, back health, and relaxation, a practice I recommend for even the exercise-allergic like myself. Anderson's manual is suitable for all ages and abilities; I love that he gives standing, sitting, and floor versions of most of the major stretches, and I also love the collections of stretches he puts together for specific activities. His approach is very gentle and non-dogmatic, and does not assume you're a gymrat. I read this as a PDF on Kindle, which I would not recommend--the text is too small to read comfortably. I am actually considering buying a copy of this one.
July 5, 2017
A Classic. I appreciate how there are pages of stretches that are grouped by warm-up or cool-down after a particular activity like Biking or Running (or Equestrian Sports). Everything is in picture format so minimal reading needed when you are actually doing them. The face stretching and office stretches are my favorite. Still relevant today!
My Dad had the original and he photocopied and shrunk down/laminated the relevant pages for his preferred exercises to a 3x5 card so he could take it with him on his exercise. So clever!
My Dad had the original and he photocopied and shrunk down/laminated the relevant pages for his preferred exercises to a 3x5 card so he could take it with him on his exercise. So clever!
August 21, 2018
I was told this was the bible of stretch. I think it's a fine reference book but no the gospel on the subject. I wish it were written by muscle instead of activity. As an example, instead of giving stretched for rhomboids it's listen to give stretches if your bowling or fishing or about to run. I'll keep it for reference.
August 15, 2025
Kindle Version a Big Fail
I love this book, have worn through 4 copies over 30 years and have used the stretch routines religiously. Unfortunately, the Kindle edition of s simply a pdf of the print edition. It is impossible to adjust the text size so it is essentially unreadable on a phone. Buy the paperback!
I love this book, have worn through 4 copies over 30 years and have used the stretch routines religiously. Unfortunately, the Kindle edition of s simply a pdf of the print edition. It is impossible to adjust the text size so it is essentially unreadable on a phone. Buy the paperback!
July 24, 2018
The original and classic book on how to stretch. Every stretch imaginable is covered in this book, which is richly illustrated. Yes, the illustrations are a little dated - but the material isn’t. Every athletic should have this book on their bookshelf for reference.
October 30, 2018
Great book that provides insight into the importance of stretching and supplies various stretching routines that can be incorporated into anyone's lifestyle.
I loved the emphasis on the utility of stretching being to feel good, not to increase flexibility and compete with those more flexible.
I loved the emphasis on the utility of stretching being to feel good, not to increase flexibility and compete with those more flexible.
April 4, 2020
The Big Baap (Daddy) of how to stretch. It's more of a go to guide when you want to stretch it out.
It is the best book how to stretch.
Understand the gist of the stretching and incorporate in your daily life.
It is the best book how to stretch.
Understand the gist of the stretching and incorporate in your daily life.
June 25, 2020
This is the mac daddy basic stretching book for a reason: it is complete, easy to understand and easy to implement. All stretches are fully explained and then also presented in a routine/work out format, so it's easy to use and follow.
April 29, 2023
Este libro es mi biblia. Lo uso cada día, y suelo recomendarlo siempre que puedo. Simple, útil. Estirar sin duda ha hecho mi ejercicio mucho más agradable, además que no he tenido ninguna lesión desde que lo incorporé en mi rutina.
October 23, 2018
Great handbook to guide anyone through ‘stretching’, not only as a collection of exercises but a mindset centred around self-improvement.
August 16, 2019
Yup, highly recommend.
September 28, 2019
Have referred to this book consistently
January 16, 2020
If I read this book 4-5 years ago, I would have avoided a lot of injuries...
This book needs to be in my own library!
This book needs to be in my own library!
January 26, 2020
Great reference!
November 16, 2020
PRÁCTICO
June 8, 2022
Fantastic stretches, easy to understand, awesome illustrations with a few cute touches. I recommend this to everyone!
August 5, 2022
Práctico y conciso
Es un buen libro fácil de digerir para los que buscan empezar a estirar, una guía con el equilibrio perfecto entre la teoría y lo práctico.
Es un buen libro fácil de digerir para los que buscan empezar a estirar, una guía con el equilibrio perfecto entre la teoría y lo práctico.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews