Stretching for Dummies - Paperback

by Lareine Chabut (Author), Madeleine Lewis (With)

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.

Back Jacket

Includes routines for pregnant women, kids, and seniors

Get stronger, look thinner, and nip injuries in the bud

Stretching does much more than increase your flexibility -- it promotes relaxation, relieves pain, boosts your energy, and improves posture and performance. This plain-English guide starts you on a safe, healthy stretching regimen, giving you an array of practices for home, work, and on the go as well as specific stretches for target areas, such as the back.

THE DUMMIES WAY^(R)

Explanations in plain English
"Get in, get out" information
Icons and other navigational aids
Online cheat sheet
Top ten lists
A dash of humor and fun

Discover how to:

Establish a stretching routine
Warm up and cool down
Stretch for specific activities
Prevent athletic injury
Relieve computer-desk stress
Stretch with a partner

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Author Biography

LaReine 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.