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Chapters
This document is a modest attempt to compile a wealth of information in order
to answer some frequently asked questions about stretching and flexibility. It is
organized into chapters covering the following topics:
- Physiology of Stretching
- Flexibility
- Types of Stretching
- How to Stretch
Although each chapter may refer to sections in other chapters, it is not required
that you read every chapter in the order presented. It is important, however, that
you read the disclaimer before reading any other sections of this document. See
section Disclaimer. If you wish to skip around, numerous cross
references are supplied in each section to help you find the concepts you may have
missed. There is also an index at the end of this document.
I (Brad Appleton - the author of this document) do not claim to be any
kind of expert on stretching, anatomy, physiology, or any other biological science.
I am merely attempting to compile information that I have read in books or that
has been presented to me by knowledgeable sources.
The techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this document are not intended
as a substitute for proper medical advice! Consult your physician or health care
professional before performing any new exercise or exercise technique, particularly
if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic
or recurring conditions. Any application of the techniques, ideas, and suggestions
in this document is at the reader's sole discretion and risk.
The author and publisher of this document and their employers make no warranty
of any kind in regard to the content of this document, including, but not limited
to, any implied warranties of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
The author and publisher of this document and their employers are not liable or
responsible to any person or entity for any errors contained in this document, or
for any special, incidental, or consequential damage caused or alleged to be caused
directly or indirectly by the information contained in this document.
In other words: "I'm not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV!" I can not be held
liable for any damages or injuries that you might suffer from somehow relying upon
information in this document, no matter how awful. Not even if the information in
question is incorrect or inaccurate. If you have any doubt (and even if you don't)
you should always check with your doctor before trying any new exercise or exercise
technique.
Thanks to all the readers of the `rec.martial-arts', `rec.arts.dance'
and `misc.fitness' newsgroups on Usenet who responded to my request for
questions (and answers) on stretching. Many parts of this document come directly
from these respondents. Thanks in particular to Shawne Neeper for sharing her formidable
knowledge of muscle anatomy and physiology.
Other portions of this document rely heavily upon the information in the following
books:
Sport Stretch, by Michael J. Alter
(referred to as M. Alter in the rest of this document)
Stretching Scientifically, by Tom Kurz
(referred to as Kurz in the rest of this document)
SynerStretch For Total Body Flexibility, from Health For Life
(referred to as SynerStretch in the rest of this document)
The Health For Life Training Advisor, also from Health For Life
(referred to as HFLTA in the rest of this document)
Mobility Training for the Martial Arts, by Tony Gummerson
(referred to as Gummerson in the rest of this document)
Further information on these books and others, is available near the end of this
document. See section References on Stretching.
I am not any kind of medical or fitness professional! I do have over
6 years of martial arts training, and over 20 years of dance training in classical
ballet, modern, and jazz. However, my primary "qualifications" to write this document
are that I took considerable time and effort to read several books on the topic,
and to combine the information that I read with the information supplied to me from
many knowledgeable readers of Usenet news. I have tried to write this document for
all audiences and not make it specific to any particular sport or art (such as dancing
or martial arts). I have also tried to leave out any of my own personal opinions
or feelings and just state the facts as related to me by the real experts.
If you have specific questions or comments about the specific content of one
or more parts of the stretching FAQ, please email them to me at
bradapp@enteract.com. However,
Please do not email me asking for any stretching advice! I am a professional
software developer of programming tools and environments. I simply am not qualified
to dispense medical or fitness advice. You need to seek out a licensed/certified
medical or fitness professional for that sort of thing. The information I have compiled
here comes from various expert sources, and I certainly learned a lot when I researched
the subject, but I'm not an expert myself.
Go to the next chapter.
by Brad Appleton
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