Flexibility Books

Often overlooked, the pelvic floor is the key to core strength and feelings of power and self-control (or powerlessness). In every one of his books, Erik Franklin gives the most beautiful metaphors and excellent instructions to reclaim your body. These exercises are particularly fun.

Anita Boser, author of Relieve Stiffness and Feel Young Again with Undulation

I highly recommend this book to whoever wants to understand the mechanics of the pelvis, and identify pelvic imbalances and increase awareness of the pelvis to the rest of the body, especially for physical therapists, structural bodyworkers, and movement re-educators. The author guides the reader through step by step instruction to increase awareness of body landmarks, movement, breath, and holding patterns with well-described sentences and lots of helpful illustrations.

By understanding the relationship between sitz-bones, tail bone, pubes, anterior iliac spine, femur, spine, organ, and breath, the application of this book is tremendous.
My "seeing" skill (structural assessment) is significantly enhanced and identifying muscular and movement imbalances have become much clearer and easier.
I am grateful that Eric Franklin wrote this book because I am able to help my clients with leg length discrepancy, lower back pain, foot pain, knee pain, hip pain, poor posture with a clearer understanding of mechanics, structure and movement.

This book takes pelvic floor understanding and excercise to a new level. the power of visualisation to heal does help the process

This book is a gem, though I agree with several reviewers that the cover illustration is a poor choice. Luckily, it was one of the few poor choices that the author allowed into this book. The sequence of exercises, the illustrations and the well constructed mental imagery make a topic that is very difficult to "wrap you head around", feel accessible. This is a difficult task because few persons that have any grasp of the material covered in this book would even attempt to teach it without a hands-on face-to-face access to a student. Teaching this material is made even more difficult since our culture imparts many social difficulties in even speaking about this portion of the anatomy.
I teach taiji and various moving meditations and have some knowledge of numerous martial arts and meditative body works that all consider subtle control of the pelvic floor muscles to be a critical step in internal energy work. Teaching or coaching a person to mentally discover, and then actively work with these muscles can be very difficult, for all the reasons Eric Franklin outlines in this book. If the only thing that I got from this book was improving my repertoire of images for working with students it would have been a great find. However, the most important aspect of this book was that I found his exercises helped me to improve my own connection with, and sensation into, these important integrators of my internal somantic space. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the author for this book, the gratitude that a student feels towards a teacher when new learning blossoms. Thank you

I am a Pilates Studio owner and instructor, and a lot of my female clients who have had children, suffer from incontinence. It's just something they cannot control. It is very embarrassing. Every time they sneeze or cough they lose control of their bladder. This book helps them to understand how to work the muscles of the pelvic floor to stop incontinence. It is very informative. It has also given me other ideas for exercises specifically for this problem. I would recommend anyone with this problem to get this particular book.

AS an instructor of both pilates and yoga- I found this a great and simple way to apply both practices to my classes....the author really explains nicely...

This is a great book, but I have a lot of trouble following books and so I bought the video, which allowed me to learn better. Both the book and the video are great. Yogilates is a calming yet invigorating workout. Not too easy, not too hard. And one of the few exercises I've actually been able to stick with consistently. Enjoyable and well-taught.

If you buy this DVD, you won't disappointment.
It's easy to learn and fun.

I own many pilates and yoga books and think that this offers a good resource for a person that wants to see positions detailed for a home practice combining the two disciplines. The only objection that I have is the choice of model demonstrating poses for the book. One in particular is an older woman with a long, gray, messy ponytail and awful looking feet. Not exactly an inspiration. It isn't necessary to put a covergirl on the pages of the book, but her disheveled images are a distraction from the intended purpose.

this book is extremely well written and easy to follow for anyone who has the desire to learn pilates and/or yoga. while it is usually more effective to meet with an instructor, if the instructor isn't Jonathan, buy this book. having taken a workshop with the author, it would be difficult for me to be instructed by anyone else, therefore having this book to refer to is completely necessary. I encourage anyone who has the desire to do something that will give incredible results, to get this book and follow it several times a week. you will not be disappointed!

As someone who spends too much time sitting in front of a computer, I should know something about how to relieve the tension and stiffness that sets in. After all, my wife wrote the book. I thought I knew how to work out the stiff shoulders and sore back that I get from being hunched over the mouse and keyboard. Yeah, I know, I have bad work habits. Check out chapter 7, these are some of my favorite stretches. Pretzel on page 97 is something I do at my desk throughout the day.

You may be able to sympathize with the discomfort that started to set in while I was illustrating this book. A lot of extra hours at the computer were beginning to make me really uncomfortable, starting at the lower, left of my back and moving down the left leg. You may know what I'm talking about. Sciatica. Luckily, I was just starting the drawings for chapter 8 and "Dealing With Sciatica". Just in time, otherwise I don't know how I would have kept on schedule.

Now that I'm done with the illustrations do I've still use what I learned? I sure do. This book is full of easy to understand, easy to do, practical advice. Give it a try for yourself and let us know how it works for you.

Do you suffer from some sort of pain or discomfort? 'Stretching Illustrated' includes stretches aimed at relieving head and neck discomfort, TMJ (jaw) pain, joint pain and stiffness, hip and knee pain, carpal tunnel, back soreness or pain, and sciatica. There are different courses of stretching recommended for various sports such as walking, running, hiking, cycling, swimming, golf, and tennis. There are gentle stretches for seniors, and stretches for women meant to relieve menopause symptoms, PMS, stress, etc.

One thing I always look for in such books is a responsible set of warnings. The book is very good at including, in obvious side-bars, warnings about contra-indicated conditions, as well as the sorts of pain and sensations that indicate you should stop or see your doctor.

Unlike photos, drawings tend to lack a certain degree of perspective, and this can make it hard to tell exactly where a given limb should be placed in relation to the floor or whatever. The sort of simple illustrations they use in here in particular sometimes lack that necessary perspective; photos would have worked better. This is a minor flaw, however, and I still highly recommend this book.

An excellent guide to stretching with concise written instructions with each illustration. The index allows one to quickly locate stretches to remedy whatever body zone is sore or stiff. The author incorporates subtle breathing techniques familiar to anyone whose practiced yoga and gently guides one to stretches that will both soothe and invigorate the body and spirit. I highly recommend this guide and hope it helps others to health and wellness as it has helped me.

Throughout most of my life (pregnancies, stressful times, very busy times, etc.), I have turned to the practice of stretching to help me maintain a sense of feeling somewhat physically fit. I used to exercise alot and always used stretching before and after activities to prevent unnecessary discomfort, pain or injury from keeping me down. Now that I am a very busy mother and nursing student, stretching is a "rescue" for me that allows me to maintain flexibility and strength for the somewhat rare times I get to participate in moderate to strenuous exercise.
This book is great as it lays the groundwork for why we should stretch, gives you the mechanics of how to stretch and provides detailed information on particular focused stretching routines in the "Niche Stretching" section. I especially like the bonus information provided in the "stretch maximizer" boxes found throughout the book and the illustrations are excellent for us visual learners.
I plan to recommend this book to patients in my future nursing practice.

True to its title, this book is a no-nonsense guide to stretching. The layout is brilliant in its simplicity, making it easy to locate the perfect routine to reach your goal, whether you are looking to increase range of movement in one particular area or just increase overall flexibility. The illustrations are useful, clear and relevant. The "bonus information" boxes keep the reader safe and well-informed, and the step-by-step instructions are clear enough for a beginning exerciser but precise enough to be included in any exercise professional's library.

EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is a book written for Every woman...young...old...skinny...plump...rich...poor...of color...white..

As a nurse-midwife and nurse-practitioner in women's health, I have come to appreciate the beauty in each and Every Woman and also how the practice of yoga can enhance that inherent beauty. Since the completion of my training, 15 years ago, I have been waiting for a book I can offer to ALL women. I feel EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is this book. It is a book for the woman accomplished in yoga as well as for the woman who thinks yog(urt) is something you eat for desert.

One of EVEWRY WOMAN'S YOGA's greatest features is that it takes you skillfuly step-by-step from where you currently are in your yoga practice toward greater accomplishiment. A basic posture is first introduced and then a more challenging or an easier variation is given, allowing a woman to adjust her practice daily and thus continually progress. The author also intertwines these progressive steps in flexibility with the breath...the ultimate link between the mind and the body.

Another great feature of EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is the author's encouragement for the woman to create her own practice...gone are the days of sitting isolated in a classroom for hours at a time...from feeling you missed the ship if you didn't get in that morning practice. NOW are the days of incorportating the practice into the whole day..doing pranayam while out for a walk....the pelvic tilt while waiting for the bus...agni sara in the the lunch line. HELLO MODERN YOGINIS!!!

The most valuable asset, however, is the continual references the author makes to the deeper aspects of yoga philosophy and training. These teachings encourage the woman to explore challenges in her ongoing spiritual journey. So while on the surface, the book seems to be dedicated only to yoga postures, it is really leading a woman on a deeper path.

If you have not read this book, I whole heartedly encourage you to give yourself a treat for the holidays !!!(and the rest of your life).

This book is not only perfect for novice yoga practictioners, but is rich in details and suggestions for more experienced practitioners. The drawings of poses supports the text in learning correct body position. Suggestions for a large variety of practice routines is presented in pictures and words which is a great help when first learning the practice sequences.

This is the best yoga book I own. I like the clear information on poses, and I like the way I am invited to explore things for myself. The author, Dr. Schmitt, seems like a very kind and also very smart woman.

I got the book because of her impressive credentials and a friend's recommendation. I keep it on the top of my stack of yoga books because of how I feel about myself and my practice when I read it.

Clear, generous, thorough, accessible, fun... I am so impressed with what Dr. Schmitt has done with this book. There's such a wealth of information here (especially compared to the "coffee table" type yoga books that seem to be propogating in the bookstores now), yet her book is somehow light - easy to read and apply.

Jaime Stover Schmitt's EVERY WOMAN'S YOGA is a phenomenal achievement. Dr. Schmitt tells eerything worth knowing about yoga in a personal, kind, warm and engaging way. Even more than that, she guides the reader into the self healing world of spontaneous movement where the wisdom of the body becomes the inner teacher. No other book on yoga has done anything like that. This book is unique and self empowering.

What a fun idea. Great artwork and insiteful & educational quotes. I think I better understand both my yoga buddies and cat lovers much better.

Imaginative, hilarious, well done Rick! I couldn't stop laughing... and sharing it with others. I'm looking forward to the sequel! Hope it's in the works!

This book is hilarious. I never thought this guy had so much to offer. I love his writing.

I was at a local bookstore over the weekend and saw the author doing a book signing. As soon as I opened the book I was blown away and also laughing out loud right in the store! I came home and my nephew and I read through the whole book together and laughed the whole time. I wish my cat was a cat yogi too! I've found the perfect holiday gift for all of my nieces and nephews this year. Go Cat Yoga!!

This is a fun and clever little book that my family is enjoying on our coffee table lately. Each page depicts a cat in a Yoga postition and most pictures are really funny, my 6 year old son laughed like a lunatic during the first few readings. On the opposite pages, there is text describing the position with its true(?) Indian name, and humorous enlightenments for the reader on how each position improves such important cat concerns such as musculature, coat health, litter birthing capability and self-confidence. My kids, their Mom and I are enjoying it a lot! It's rare to find a book these days that appeals to kids and adults but this is a good example.

Written by Robert W. Drago (Professor of Labor Studies and Women's Studies, Penn State University), Striking a Balance: Work, Family, Life is not a self-help book for the individual, but rather a scholarly examination of the modern societal problems of the care gap (too many children, elderly, and disabled, particularly among the poor, are not getting the care they need), the gender gap (women are forced to choose between success in their careers and providing adequate care to their children, or any other form of care work for low or no pay) and the income gap (the rich get richer and the poor get poorer). At the heart of these problems is not just cold hard economics, but also societal norms - the "motherhood norm" that insists women should provide care for little or no pay; the "ideal worker norm" that conditions employers to expect their workers to put in long hours up to an inhuman level; and the "individualism norm", a society-infused belief that the government should not help those needing care. Striking a Balance prescribes society-wide remedies to these growing problems: paid family leave, early childhood education and child care financing, guaranteed health insurance, and a minimum wage increase indexed to inflation, and the simple importance of allowing men and women from all walks of life to have their voices heard. Extensively researched, Striking a Balance: Work Family Life is a persuasive academic treatise about the need for social change, and highly recommended for reading for not only college library shelves, but also anyone looking for a better understanding of why the government needs to pay more attention to minimum wage, health care, and paid family leave issues.

This excellent analysis of the current state of working and trying to live at the same time in America is a great wakeup call from the overwork hypnosis reining for too long. Unlike in other advanced nations, we've never had a real national conversation about the impacts of large numbers of caregivers in the workplace and skyrocketing workweeks. Drago makes those repercussions of work without end very clear, in imploding families, skyrocketing health costs and absentee lives. Armed with a trove of research, he shows us not only the downside, but also a way out, when we can see the unconscious norms that skew our value system and sanity--the ideal worker norm, the motherhood norm, and the individualism norm. This much-needed book should should be required reading for every exec, congressperson, and presidential-candidate policy guru in the land.

This is one of the best sociological books I've read in years--which is saying quite a bit, since the author is an economist! Bob Drago's latest book is both scholarly and eminently readable. He pulls together the best analysis of the challenges confronting women, families, and workers--which pretty much includes all of us, now doesn't it?--with the most enlightened thinking about what we need to do to change the structures that produce those challenges. The book is written in very clear prose and presents a persuasive argument that gets right to the point. I think just about any reader concerned with social problems (the working poor, strains on families, gender inequalities) will find plenty of cause for optimism here. And readers who just want to make sense of why life is so hectic for themselves, their co-workers, family members, and neighbors will come away from this book with a clearer understanding and ideas for action. I highly recommend this book.

Bob Drago has long been recognized as a leader in the work-life balance world through his work with Take Care Net and on the Work and Family Bill of Rights. After decades in the wilderness, many of us have reached a shared vision of what does and doesn't help us to lead balanced lives. Drago captures this new consensus, explains why it has taken so long for us to reach this point, and provides a blueprint for change. Anyone stressed about their own lives, and what to do about it, should read this interesting, insightful, wise, and humorous work, and then join with Drago and others to change things.

This book is for anyone who feels that life is complicated and getting more so all the time. In clear language Drago gives data to show that Americans are working more and defines 3 important gaps Americans face: a care gap, a gender gap, and an income gap. These are interrelated, of course, as Drago makes clear. And he contributes to our understanding of the gender gap by expanding it to include the gap between women who are involved in actual care work (whether paid or not) and those successful in professional jobs and hence not directly involved in care. He anchors his discussion in three norms, all of which contribute to these gaps: motherhood, ideal worker, and individualism, and supports his discussion with both data and stories. A particularly interesting formulation is his definition of balance, by which he means involvement in all three of paid work, unpaid work, and leisure. He describes the kind of social infrastructure necessary to support such balance for all people in our society and ends with a work and family bill of rights. A great discussion of the challenges we all face.

After having been in a desk job for too many years, I became overweight and lost all my flexibility. So I decided I needed to do something about it.
I didn't want to injure myself from taking things too fast, so I decided to try doing some stretching first. But I didn't know where to start. So I bought this book to find out more.

I was really impressed, there is so much detail and lots of illustrations in this book. Most importantly it has a list of sports that the stretches can be used for, which was a real bonus for me.
Best of all, they work.
Bottom Line get this book!!

This is an incredible book. It has simple pictures that show all the muscles that are being stretched. This is a great book for teaching anatomy and a great resourse for massage therapists.

There are over one hundred key stretches that the human body can do that directly enable better physical health regardless of age or gender. "The Anatomy of Stretching" outlines these with fundamental facts and explanations to help the reader do the stretch and understand why they are doing it, divided by each and every area of the body. With over 200 full color illustrations, glossaries, appendixes and more, "The Anatomy of Stretching" is highly recommended to health & fitness community library shelves and for anyone who would seek better health through stretching exercises.

Anatomy of Stretching

This is a wonderful, illustrated book for those interested in stretching the muscles. It shows each of the muscles targeted in each of the stretches. Based on the anatomy diagrams, you will be able to tell if you are performing each stretch correctly.

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.

This is a great book on suppleness. The routines range from area specific to 10, 20 30 minute routines. This book as been hard to find in my local store. I love this book - I've purchased one for a friend and am now purchasing for myself (again) and another friend. Clear instructions. I wish it were spiral bound though. My original book is all beat up from use, that's why the 2nd purchase.

I had owned a copy of this years ago but misplaced it. I was happy to find a used first edition (1995) hard cover copy on Amazon. There is a 20 minute stretching in the back of the book that is great. Can't comment on current edition.

This is an excellent book. I have several different stretch books, as I find I need variety, but this and the NYC ballet are my favourites. Leave them lying around so your daughter remembers to give you your workout :) Wharton's is good too.

The Supple Body is simply the best exercise book I have ever read. It is written in an easy-to-read style. There were plenty of photographs. This is the one book I would take with me anywhere. You don't need much space. ALL the exercises are do-able for an average person. The book combines stretching, yoga, and calisthenic exercises. No special equipment ( other than an ordinary kitchen chair ) is required. There are different routines to for varying time commitments and busy schedules. Even if you do other forms of exercise (weights, aerobics ), I would heartily recommend this book.

The photography illustartions are superb!! The exercise instructions are easy to read and follow. This is a must have book!

A well-written, organized triathlon program designed for beginner or advanced athletes of any age, which highlights health benefits, safe training methods and assessments. The flexibility and strength assessments are detailed and illustrated to perform the exercises correctly! TriPower pieces together all the integral components to train for a triathlon. This will help me tremendously as I prepare for my next triathlon, and as I train clients for their 1st triathlon!!

most of the current triathlon books don't seem to put much emphasis on strength and flexibility training. this book fills that gap.

TRI POWER: THE ULTIMATE PROGRAM FOR TRIATHLON SUCCESS is a key component of any weight training or conditioning exercise program, offering up four phases of conditioning and showing athletes how to get the most from a triathlon experience. The authors are certified teachers and experts: their instruction will appeal to any triathlon trainer and to any collection strong in sports representation.

This book is RICH with information and covers quite a spectrum. I don't usually leave comments but this book is worth the time.. I was able to meet the authors too and they are no joke.
(no wonder this is on a best-seller list. wow)

I am new this year to the Triathlon world and this book has helped me in my training more than anything besides hiring a personal coach. The programs are easy to follow and take approx 30 minutes to complete each day. You can choose whatever exercise you want to tailor it to your needs. I was never into stretching until I started this "guide". Now I understand why stretching and core strength are important in a Triathlete as well as in life. I give it 4 stars only due to the fact that it took me a while to figure out which exercise was what. Other than that if your looking to prepare for a Triathlon or even just want to get fit in approx 30 min a day, then this book will help you.

I am a clumsy, non-flexible person with IT Band issues...Doing the poses explained very well in this book (both verbally and pictorally) has made a noticeable difference in my flexibility. I also have less IT Band issues. Great book.

Not only is this a perfect book for athletes, it is also perfect for non-athletes. It is an excellent introduction for those new to yoga, and would be a great new resource for yoga instructors. As a cyclist and a yoga teacher in training, I found this writing to be the most elegant and direct explanation of the broad principles of yoga of any book I've read. It introduces the concepts of yoga and then provides examples of how they are to be applied in the real world. Resources are provided for those who want further study.

Sage Rountree's introduction to yoga in the first part of the book is worth the price itself. For anyone curious about yoga, this explains everything needed to approach it safely and with confidence. For athletes, she specifically discusses how the different types of yoga can be appropriately incorporated into their training program. The middle of the book is dedicated to the poses, breathing and meditation. Each pose is illustrated and fully described as to how to safely get into the pose, along with modifications. Relaxation and breathing are well covered with an emphasis on how important they are to an athlete's recovery time. The last part of the book discusses how to use yoga within the cycles of a training plan and finishes with several sequences for specific needs, such as stretching, warming up and restorative poses. Many of these sequences are great for any busy person wanting to "sneak" in some yoga during their hectic day. This author seems to be one of the few who understands that many who are interested in yoga are also very busy.

This is just a wonderful book. I hope it gets the attention of a very broad audience because it has so much to offer. It has now become the first book I would recommend to anyone asking about yoga.

As a busy professional, dedicated age group triathlete, and regular yoga class student, I've experienced both the physical and mental benefits of yoga in my racing and my life. However, I've really struggled to practice yoga at home - without a teacher telling when, where, and how. Sage Rountree's book is what I've been looking for: a practical, user-friendly guide that speaks my "athlete language" and includes step-by-step yoga rountines that complement specific portions of my training. The pictures are beautiful - and depict realistic pose modifications that make yoga much more enjoyable when I'm feeling especially tight. I also have a deeper (and more functional!) understanding of yoga's history and philosophy thanks to Sage's clear description of yoga's 8 limbs - and how they translate to the athlete's world. A helpful book for those very new to yoga AND those hoping to practice outside the gym or studio.

While yoga is an extensive topic and can be difficult to understand, Sage keeps it simple to understand and easy to follow. I love the way she breaks it down to incorporate into various training programs as an adjunct to the primary training.