Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been practicing martial arts for over 12 years, and have learned many, many ways of trying to gain flexibility.
I found this book to be very interesting and entertaining, and the basic concepts presented are fairly simple to understand. With some searching you can verify that Pavel's methodologies are basically sound, but he rightly emphasizes that improper application of his methods can be dangerous.
If someone that's in reasonable physical condition with decent flexibility was given this book, they'd probably do fine, and maybe realize some awesome improvements. This is definitely not the book for a sedentary person with poor flexibility or a history of joint injuries.
Pavel's later book "Relax Into Stretch" is a much better purchase, because he basically took this material, made it less dangerous, and introduced a somewhat more structured method of gradual progression that is more appropriate for a wider range of people. The "Relax Into Stretch" video is also a simple, easy-to-follow tape that allows you to see exactly how Pavel performs these stretches.
Pavel's greatest failure with this book was introducing some excellent concepts while failing to provide sufficient scientific explanation and references for the intellectual while providing insufficient caution or structure to the beginner.
For a far better and more affordable guide on safe and surprisingly effective stretching, check out Kit Laughlin's "Stretching & Flexibility" and "Overcoming Neck & Back Pain" - these are phenomenal books for all levels of knowledge and ability, are far safer, and offer a much wider range of options for overcoming particular areas you may have difficulties with.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs

Learn the complete Joint Mobility Training Program, a Russian system for improving your joints' health, even when damaged by arthritis. Discover Russia's most advanced method of Plyometric Flexibility Training speed-specific flexibility. Discover how to display maximal flexibility without a warm-up. Discover a unique technique to immediately boost your strength and explosiveness giving you the edge over your competition, the first time you use it. Learn a Soviet commando exercise that enables you to have maximal speed in your kicks even at the limit of your flexibility and a unique method for strengthening the knee ligaments, for faster and safer kicking. Discover why the stretches you have been doing compromise your strength, and what Russian weight lifters do instead. Discover three special stretching techniques that build super strength by manipulating your feedback loop, the same thing that enables desperate mothers to lift cars off their children! Learn how much flexibility you really need and how to develop it in a fraction of the time you spend stretching today.

Click here for more information about Beyond Stretching : Russian Flexibility Breakthroughs

Read More...

The Stark Reality of Stretching: An Informed Approach for All Activities and Every Sport Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you're looking for a lot of background on muscle physiology or a very specific method of stretching this book might interest you, but if you're looking for a good selection of stretches, you should be aware that you only get 6 stretches here. I found the title a little misleading, since "every sport" would seem to include tennis, baseball and swimming, but this book only addresses lower body flexibility. If you want to stretch your arms, back, shoulders, etc, you're out of luck here.
I also found it annoying that the author promotes his personal stretching theory while using outdated studies to discredit other methods. For example, he uses studies from the early 70s to prove that PNF stretching is bad for you when the PNF stretching theories in use right now were not even developed at the time of the studies. Seemed like he was selectively choosing among the available research to prove his point while disregarding accepted theories that don't bolster his own method.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Stark Reality of Stretching: An Informed Approach for All Activities and Every Sport

Get 22% OFF

Click here for more information about The Stark Reality of Stretching: An Informed Approach for All Activities and Every Sport

Read More...

The Pilates Deck Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a beginner and I think pilates deck is really good. I have friends who are far more advanced with pilates and they weren't so impressed.
I like to mix in the exercises from The 5-Second Flat Belly Secret - Lose 2-3 Inches from Your Belly in Less Than 1 Month with these pilates positions to get more focused work on losing my belly and that's been working out superb.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Pilates Deck

Develop a strong and flexible body that moves with ease and grace. With these 50 pilates exercise cards, you'll enjoy invigorating exercise that targets areas which support good posture and long muscles. Without relying on machines, The Pilates Deck makes working out easy by incorporating mat exercises that progress from preparatory movements to advanced sequences.

Click here for more information about The Pilates Deck

Read More...

Get Fit in Bed: Tone Your Body & Calm Your Mind from the Comfort of Your Bed Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love this book! All of the exercises are so easy to follow, and with so little time to work out I can finally get some much needed toning in from my bed! It's fantastic! Since I've started using the exercises in Get Fit in Bed, I really do feel healthier, and more rested too! I recommend everyone tries this at least once.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Get Fit in Bed: Tone Your Body & Calm Your Mind from the Comfort of Your Bed

Here is the fitness solution many of us have been waiting for - a strengthening, conditioning and toning program that anyone can do from the warmth and comfort of his or her own bed. Older folks, people with health problems such as fibromyalgia, arthritis and chronic fatigue, those recovering from surgery or injury and expecting mothers who've been put on bed rest will especially benefit from these techniques. A series of forty-two exercises drawn from yoga, pilates, karate and stretching, the routine is grouped into three sections: exercises to be done lying on your back, sides and stomach. Regular practice will tone muscles, increase strength and endurance, calm the mind and, yes, even improve sleep! Each exercise is described in lucid detail, illustrated with a series of step-by-step photographs, and includes modification for certain health and lifestyle conditions.

Click here for more information about Get Fit in Bed: Tone Your Body & Calm Your Mind from the Comfort of Your Bed

Read More...

The Anatomy of Stretching Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you wish to be a martial artist, there are other stretching books that teach maximum flexibility: e.g. Stretching Scientifically by Thomas Kurz. or yoga books such as YOga: The Iyengar Way by Mira Silva & Schyam Mehta. But if you've hurt your back or other body parts (e.g. legs, shoulders, etc.), then this single volume is a gold mine. I've written several cover stories in Inside Kung Fu and Kung Fu Wushu magazines, and have practiced martial arts since a very early age. I have had perfect splits in life, but became less flexible via neglect. Trying to get back in shape, I hurt my back three years ago and sometimes had trouble bending down (on very bad days) or would rehurt my back when trying to resume running and shaolin kung fu. Fortunately, I taught at a college that had a Ph.D. program in physical therapy so I got free physical therapy for a year. All of the therapy exercises I learned for free are included in Brad Walker's Anatomy of Stretching. In addition, Walker's book contains dozens of wonderful exercises to provide therapy for hurt body parts, and to obtain general flexibility. I visited bookstores to compare the texts, and Walker's book provides wonderful schematic drawings on how the muscles are involved at the very moment of each specific stretch. Unlike other stretching anatomy books, Walker's provides a specific itemization of how to do the exercise, what body part is affected, what injury it treats, what sport it's good for, and when to avoid the stretch if you have a particular injury. It's the best diagrammed text around. I would recommend buying this book with a couple of other texts that are equal to Walker's in many respects (and sometimes better, sometimes worse):
Two books by Kit Laughlin:
1. Stretching & Flexibility, and
2. Overcome Neck & Back Pain.
You can order DVDs from Australia from Laughlin's website. Kit even emailed me to answer my stretching queries.
3. Back Care Basics by Mary Pullig Schatz, M.D. Dr. Schatz combines knowledge in injury science with expertise in Iyengar yoga. It's a wonderful text for injured practitioners.
4. The Stark Reality of Stretching, by Dr. Steven D. Stark. Dr. Stark presents a wonderful theory of stretching that argues convincingly that the best way to stretch is to avoid any stretches that load the specific muscle groups you are trying to stretch. He also demonstrates how we injure ourselves unwittingly: e.g. by running with a stride that is either too short, or too long. His research is a bit dated, but logical and convincing.
5. Yoga: The Iyengar Way (authors mentioned above).
Remember NEVER TO BOUNCE HARD WHEN STRETCHING, ESPECIALLY IF YOUR BACK IS INJURED. As long as you stretch everyday, you should gently heal your back.
Stretching one's back using a "half therapy roll" available at medical supply stores is useful if you have lower lumbar injury, but get diagnosed by a top notch physical therapist. Unlike general medical practitioners, they know the body much better and know the excercises to heal the back. The function of a regular medical doctor is simply to authorize x-rays to ensure you don't have unusual injuries: e.g. spinal/skeletal, herniated disks, torn muscles, dislocated ligaments and torn tendons, etc. Once you've excluded extreme abnormalities, a good stretching book can do wonders for your back and other body parts.
Back pain is due to muscle imbalance and slight injuries. Scarred muscle tissue gets tight and one needs to stretch those tissues to prevent spasms. These books, written often by medical doctors, are a great adjunct to qualified medical care.
For general back care, buy:
6. the Second edition of Mike Hage's THE BACK PAIN BOOK, REVISED 2ND EDITION.
Hage covers everything from how to bend properly when picking up objects to sitting correctly on a toliet to prevent reinjuring or weakining one's back. We cause injury to ourselves gradually until that single extra straw one day breaks our camel's back.
Without question, Walker's ANATOMY OF STRETCHING, is one of the best in the market. There is no single perfect book, but the relatively short list I've constructed is all you need. They might save you thousands of dollars on professional physical therapy and provide you with healthy restful flexibility and relief from unnecessary pain.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Anatomy of Stretching

Click here for more information about The Anatomy of Stretching

Read More...

The Stretch Deck: 50 Stretches Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although I've been into exercising and working out for years, I never really put much notice into stretching.
I got this along with The 5-Second Flat Belly Secret - Lose 2-3 Inches from Your Belly in Less Than 1 Month for Kindle in order to become more flexible and get a flatter waist area.
I'm happy to say that after 5 weeks I'm way more flexible, my posture is a lot better, and my belly and waistline have become a lot more toned. This is a good buy.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Stretch Deck: 50 Stretches

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about The Stretch Deck: 50 Stretches

Read More...

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga Illustrated, Third Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read the Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga over a year ago. I have found myself practicing yoga faithfully and referring to the book ever since. The book gives a wonderful overview of this centuries old practice. I particularly liked the book for the authors' humor and openmindedness. As can be found in their other book, Complete Idiot's Guide to Meditation. All the information needed to start practicing yoga today is provided without making the reader feel as though they must change religions or make other drastic changes in their lives. Facts and ideas are presented in such a way that the reader can take as little or as much from the book as he wants.
I found the explainations of postures, breathing exercises and other yoga aspects to be clear and detailed (enough for a beginner). I was particularly impressed with the instructions for the postures as modifications are included. A lot of books don't do that. The book is truly an introduction to yoga - there is so much more to be learned. In fact, it has lead me to read many other wonderful books about yoga. As well as research yoga on web sites listed in the book (including Joan Budilovsky's site - wonderful, & you actually get answers to your letters).
The CIGY offers an EXCELLENT place to begin. I have recommended this book to several friends who have asked me about my yoga practice. I would recommend it again and again.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga Illustrated, Third Edition

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga, Third Edition walks readers through the basics of stretching, breathing, and meditation. This third edition is completely reformatted to include twice as many illustrations (300+)! A must-have for anyone interested in giving yoga a try-non-intimidating and easy-to-follow exercise

Click here for more information about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Yoga Illustrated, Third Edition

Read More...

No OM Zone: A No-Chanting, No-Granola, No-Sanskrit Practical Guide to Yoga Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a relatively new Yogi, reading "The No Om Zone" has really helped to improve my practice. It provides a level of instruction that can often be hard to get in a packed yoga class. It is chockfull of photos that have been very useful in understanding the exact positioning of each body part during a pose. I feel my alignment has definitely improved since reading the book. Also, anatomy and physiology are discussed in a very useful, easy-to-understand manner, not in the cumbersome, overwhelming way of many fitness books. Lastly, as an Executive with a very hectic schedule, the 8 minute workout routines are a godsend!

Click Here to see more reviews about: No OM Zone: A No-Chanting, No-Granola, No-Sanskrit Practical Guide to Yoga

Get 25% OFF

Click here for more information about No OM Zone: A No-Chanting, No-Granola, No-Sanskrit Practical Guide to Yoga

Read More...

Stretching for Flexibility and Health Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This has clear, concise step by step diagrams, showing how to improve strength and flexability. The text explains why you need to do these stretches and how they will strengthen your muscles and improve your flexability and posture. I recommend this book to both elite athletes and weekend hackers

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stretching for Flexibility and Health

Click here for more information about Stretching for Flexibility and Health

Read More...

Relax into Stretch : Instant Flexibility Through Mastering Muscle Tension Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I almost didn't buy this book because some of the reviews are so negative...but I'm glad I did anyway. A few points:
1. This method absolutely works...I say this after studying karate for 4 years (hundreds of kicks, stretching that included pouring water on the floor and having someone push down on your back, staying in stretched positions for up to an hour, etc..) yoga, stretch machines, standard stretch routines. Through all this, my stretch increased very little. I couldn't even sit on the floor with crossed legs without discomfort. My karate instructor used to say I had the flexibility of a rock. Pavel's method works. Get the book! The concepts are simple, but revolutionary. A few more points:
2. There is enough information and stretching routines in the book to last for years. I don't understand the reviews that say there is not enough info in the book, too many pictures, etc...I appreciated the fact that I could quickly go throught the book and get right into the stretching.
3. There is another reviewer who outlines all of the potentially harmful stretches, based on his assessment as a doctor. However, all of the stretches he talks about are in the advanced stretching section of the book; they are extreme exercises, that Pavel clearly states are not for beginners.
4. Appearances can be deceiving...for example I was experiencing slight lower back pain from one routine and then I went back and read how to do the exercise, and realized I was overstretching, not controlling my breathing and tension as described in the book. In spite of the clear, "simple" format of the book, it is rich in information, that must be read carefully.
5. One last point: this book is for those who need to get to the next level. (I can't believe someone recommended Anderson's "granny" stretch book over this one; give me a break) Whether to reach top levels of fitness, martial arts study, rock climbing, etc...I'm thinking of someone who is into total fitness.)
On the other hand, it's also worth reading for the weekend athlete, only because the knowledge can help one prevent injuries and avoid harmful stretching methods.
Disclaimer: this is not a cheerleader review for Pavel. I have no connection with him whatsoever, just a very appreciative reader. Get the book!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Relax into Stretch : Instant Flexibility Through Mastering Muscle Tension

"Conventional stretching attempts to literally elongate your tissues, which is dangerous and ineffective. Relax into Stretch simply teaches your muscles to relax into a stretch.If you compare traditional training to a messy hardware reorganization, then Relax into Stretch is an efficient software upgrade.While stretching tissues may take years, changes in the nervous system are immediate! Your muscles will start noticeably elongating from your first Relax into Stretch practice-and within months you will have achieved a level of flexibility uncommon in our species."-Pavel Tsatsouline. Own an illustrated guide to the thirty-six most effective techniques for super-flexibility. How the secret of mastering your emotions can add immediate inches to your stretch.How to wait out your tension-the surprising key to greater mobility and a better stretch. How to fool your reflexes into giving you all the stretch you want. Why contract-relax stretching is 267% more effective than conventional relaxed stretching. How to breathe your way to greater flexibility. Using the Russian technique of Forced Relaxation as your ultimate stretching weapon. How to stretch when injured-faster, safer ways to heal. Young, old, male, female-learn what stretches are best for you and what stretches to avoid. Why excessive flexibility can be detrimental to athletic performance-and how to determine your real flexibility needs.Plateau-busting strategies for the chronically inflexible

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Relax into Stretch : Instant Flexibility Through Mastering Muscle Tension

Read More...

Fitness Stretching Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book is really good for someone who is new to putting stretching into thier routine. The book is about 200 pages. The first 30 pages talks all about stretching, the benefits, the different kinds of stretching etc. This part of the book is excellent and I would buy it just for that because it had a lot of good information. (I exercise a lot but didn't know too much about stretching). I like the way this section is written, its talks scientifically but explains everything in layman's terms so the average person can understand. The next 45 pages are the actual stretches. I think they're okay. I would have been happier if they showed more variations. They seemed kind of simplistic. However, the benefit of this is they all looked very safe, which is important. Minimum stress on the knees for example. Good for people starting out or are injured or older. I was looking for something a little more challenging and more variety. Anyway, a very few of the stretches didn't have illustrations which I thought was strange- did they forget? Overall, there are stretches for every part of the body. The last 100 pages is devoted to specialty stretches, different stretch routines for ALL different kinds of sports, as detailed as windsurfing, stretches using special equipment like a pole or ball, recommended stretches for morning and evening and that kind of thing.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fitness Stretching

In Fitness Stretching, the authorities on fitness present a comprehensive guide to the most important -- but often neglected -- aspect of any fitness regimen.Whether you're running a marathon, biking around the block, or simply getting the kinks out after a long day of sitting, stretching is a proven way to improve your sense of fitness. By lengthening muscles and lubricating joints, stretching prevents injury, promotes recovery, improves posture and balance, and refreshes the body. Plus, learning to stretch correctly can help you to maximize the benefits of your workout.Fully illustrated and easy to use, Fitness Stretching takes you through every muscle group in the body with step-by-step instructions for more than 100 yoga- and sport-inspired stretches. Clear explanations accompany each stretch, allowing you to customize your own stretching routine.For all levels of fitness, Fitness Stretching features an activity-by-activity breakdown to help you find the best stretch for every workout, from aerobics to windsurfing. While you'll find innovative suggestions for stretching in the pool or with poles, barres, and balls, most stretches can be done without any equipment at all. At home, at work, or at the gym, the experts at Fitness can help you make stretching a fun and easy part of your daily routine.Special sections include stretches:to heal and prevent lower back painfor people working on their feetto do during pregnancyfor individuals over fiftyFor every age or level of fitness, Fitness Stretching is essential to your well-being.

Click here for more information about Fitness Stretching

Read More...

Total Stretch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Great large pictures and explanations. The order arrived quickly in great condition. Great price! Highly recommend!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Total Stretch

Click here for more information about Total Stretch

Read More...

Functional Anatomy for Sport and Exercise: Quick Reference Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an anatomy book with virtually no illustration, and none of the muscles. There is a text description of each joint and its movement, but unless you can easily visualize sentences such as "The primary movement is flexion-extension in the sagittal plane" then this book is probably not for you.
Though "sport and exercise" are in the title, there are no descriptions of multiple joint movements (e.g. military press, side kick, jumping). There are a total of thirteen illustrations; none of which describe muscle insertion or attachment nor joint movement. The "hot topics discussed in detail" are: 1. Tibial stress fractures in runners, 2. The use of foot orthotics in the prevention of injury, 3. Quantitative motion analysis in biomechanics, 4. Anterior cruciate ligament injury in athletes, and 5. Carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace.
I would recommend "Anatomy of Movement" by Calais-Germaine instead for undergraduate and graduate studies in functional anatomy of the musculo-skeletal system.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Functional Anatomy for Sport and Exercise: Quick Reference

Click here for more information about Functional Anatomy for Sport and Exercise: Quick Reference

Read More...

Stretch and Strengthen Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book and Judy Alter's earlier book, Surviving Exercise, have the answers I've been looking for. I love to exercise, but I've been plagued with injuries for years. And of course, the injuries set me back and have kept me from exercising as much as I'd like. I've been looking for some sound, scientific information on stretching, but have found very little. I had the feeling stretching would help prevent injuries, but what's the right way to stretch? I had found scientific evidence that stretching can CAUSE injuries, too. It's amazing to me how many books are available about stretching that have no scientific basis whatsoever. Some get their authority from tradition (like yoga) and some are merely the author's opinion. But finally someone has written a book about how to stretch so the stretching actually helps and doesn't harm you. Judy tells you exactly how to do the exercises. Sometimes the stretches are a lot like the ones I've done before, but small differences -- how you hold your foot, the position of your head, whether or not you're keeping your back straight -- can make the difference between hurting yourself with the stretch or helping yourself. I'm the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, and one of the most important things I recommend is exercise. It makes a big difference in your general attitude and sense of well-being. Alter's book tells you how you can KEEP exercising for your lifetime, without pain or injury. I love this book and highly recommend it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Stretch and Strengthen

An exercise book with a difference, STRETCH AND STRENGTHEN features 100 exercises, fully illustrated, which apply the invaluable system introduced in SURVIVING EXERCISE. Soundly based on exercise philosophy and on new discoveries in kinesiology and sports medicine, the book fits the individual needs of everyone who exercises, from sedentary beginner to professional athlete.

Get 24% OFF

Click here for more information about Stretch and Strengthen

Read More...

Yoga for Kids to Teens: Themes, Relaxation Techniques, Games, and an Introduction to SOLA Stikk Yoga Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book was the same as the original create a yoga practice for kids with the addition of a chapter on using a stick as a prop. The yoga practice is geared towards younger children, not true teens.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yoga for Kids to Teens: Themes, Relaxation Techniques, Games, and an Introduction to SOLA Stikk Yoga

Are you looking for a way to have fun with young people while giving them a life-long tool for self-expression, physical and mental health, relaxation techniques, and improved focus? Yoga for Kids to Teens is another fun and easy-to-use handbook for you, as a parent, teacher, or young person, to enjoy. The authors of Create a Yoga Practice for Kids (Sunstone Press, 2006) introduce Nicole Hamory's SOLA Stikk Yoga, a lively approach to yoga for all ages. Find creative games, interactive themes, mind-melting relaxation, five-minute classroom yoga breaks and more.

Get 27% OFF

Click here for more information about Yoga for Kids to Teens: Themes, Relaxation Techniques, Games, and an Introduction to SOLA Stikk Yoga

Read More...

Full-Body Flexibility Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have been looking for a good stretching/yoga book, and came across Full-Body Flexibility and was reading the reviews. I have actually seen Jay speak in person, and so I was compelled to buy it. I was not surprised by the positive reviews, but was very surprised by the negative one because I thought Jay had a lot of interesting things to say about stretching and flexibility in the lecture he presented. I am a personal trainer, and enjoy Jay's approach and philosphies because he keeps things simple and straight-forward. I bought the book, and was very satisfied and impressed, and am baffled by the negative review. The pictures are clear, the instructions are simple, and the entire concept of active or "unassisted" stretching is VERY unique and not found in most books. In addition, Jay's book has great stretching routines at the end that I have found very useful and so have my clients. I have used the routines many times since I bought the book. I have seen Jay speak in person. He is not just a marketer. He is a renowned Trainers with an extensive background in exercise and health education. In fact, he has provided me with useful training information over the years that is often better than the PhDs in the same field. Jay has been a trend-setter in the health club fitness industry for years, and continually clarifies, simplifies and organizes what is often complex information into easy to understand and use exercise protocol that I use every day in my exercise routines with my clients and students. I am not sure what that particular reviewer was looking for in a stretch book, and maybe he never read the the opening section of the book (where much of the interesting information is presented), but I think it is a great book. Easy to read. Clear organized pictures. A variety of stretches. Routines I can use. Not a clinical text book, but not an artsy-fartsy picture book either. Well done...

Click Here to see more reviews about: Full-Body Flexibility

Click here for more information about Full-Body Flexibility

Read More...

The Anatomy of Sports Injuries Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I love this book, because there are so many different stretches for the entire body. I use it everyday; I have the CD with stretch routines as well. It's a great tool to have.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Anatomy of Sports Injuries

Get 28% OFF

Click here for more information about The Anatomy of Sports Injuries

Read More...