Stretching For Dummies (eBook)

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.

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

"...the ideal book for beginners who want to improve their flexibility, wellbeing and get rid of nagging aches and pains." (Women's Fitness, Issue 38)