Stretching and yoga are very far from the same thing - yet knowledge of the benefits of stretching is important for the yoga practitioner. Yoga teacher and sports science expert Sally Parkes reviews a new book, The Anatomy of Stretching.
As we know, regular stretching is essential to anyone's fitness program and general well being. 
Here, Brad Walker, a prominent Australian sports trainer, presents us with a thorough text on the subject of stretching.
Anatomical detail
The book does exactly what it says on the tin, taking us through various stretches for each major muscle group, along with diagrams of the superficial muscles and supportive muscles involved.
Unlike other books of this nature, where we are often given a huge amount of information and left to our own devices, this book takes it that little bit further.
The ‘Benefits of Stretching' section explains the importance of stretching and includes a clear, concise explanation of these positives which include reduced fatigue, injury prevention and increased range of motion.
The different types of stretching are also discussed as are tips for safe stretching such as when to stretch and pointers on body alignment.
Sports therapists and fitness professionals will no doubt appreciate the more detailed anatomical diagrams in which the various layers of the muscle fibres are broken down and explained.
Attention to detail
Such attention to detail will also benefit sports people and fitness enthusiasts alike as this helps to make sense of the 'whys and hows' of stretching.
Even though there is no mention of the benefits of breathing correctly when stretching, the information given is also a useful guide to those who practise or teach yoga.
Whilst there are many useful yoga books that explain yoga postures on a more gross level, many do not explain the anatomy in such succinct detail.
Therefore, if you already have a sound knowledge how to breathe correctly when lengthening a skeletal muscle (slowly and deeply), you will also find this book a useful addition to your knowledge of yoga; and therefore your practice.
This book is versatile in that it can be used for those wanting to add a few simple stretches to their workout, or for those wanting to add a complete stretch routine to their fitness regime. Usefully, information on when not to perform a particular stretch is also covered.
For fitness professionals it offers a deeper understanding of the mechanics of stretching, illuminated by diagrams and highlighted relevant muscle groups.
Overall, this is a well written and well presented book that anyone with an interest in movement or sports will benefit from reading.
The Anatomy of Stretching is by Brad Walker and published by Lotus Publishing.
A word about our reviewer:
Sally Parkes has been practising yoga for ten years and teaching for six. She has a degree in Sports and Exercise Science and is also a qualified personal trainer and pilates teacher. She is based in West Sussex and can be contacted at: sallyparkesyoga@hotmail.co.uk or through her website, www.sallyparkesyoga.com
_0.jpg "Dancer Pose: Nataraja")
