SuperStretch: Create a Longer, Leaner, More Flexible Body in Only 1 Hour a Week! by Jacqueline Lysycia
Call number: 613.718 LYS
With seven major different stretch categories and multitudes of tips and illustrations, SuperStretch is the best stretch book on the TSCPL shelves, a credit to Jacqueline Lysycia, who was voted the world’s top stretch/yoga instructor by Yoga Magazine in 2005. SuperStretch effectively targets every major muscle group, as well as focusing on the minor muscles, to create a well-rounded stretching routine.
Lysycia begins SuperStretch by laying out the benefits and vital importance of stretching. Stress tension is relieved. Posture is improved (making you look younger—and thinner!). Your muscles and joints are healthier. Chances of workout-related injuries are reduced. Muscle development is promoted. Circulation is improved. With these kinds of benefits, why not take a few minutes out of your day to stretch?
A brief explanation is given on what goes on inside your body when you stretch, to help you raise awareness of how important stretching is—and what exactly you are targeting when you stretch. And finally, the importance of proper breathing while stretching is stressed. While it may seem simple—we all breath, after all—, proper breathing facilitates deeper, more effective stretching.
The remainder of the book is dedicated to seven fantastic sets of stretches. Warm-up. Dynamic. Spine. Hips and legs. Hips, legs and spine. Upper body. And gentle therapeutic .
You can start with the warm-up and then work your way through the dynamic stretches, or through a section in which you either feel particular tightness or will be working out. If your day is packed, start with the warm-up and then pick two or three key exercises to get you through the day. Need to wind down after a hectic day, or are feeling poorly? Turn to the gentle therapeutic stretches to calm you and help you relax.
SuperStretch is particularly impressive because it takes stretching to a new level. Regardless of whether you have never stretched before, or if you have stretched for years, it will challenge you in your routine. Keep the stretch light, or, if you are particularly limber, progress to the developmental stretch. (Being unusually limber myself, I have had an impossible time finding stretch books which are anywhere close to effective. SuperStretch is the only one I have found which can challenge me.)
Pros:
- Detailed, easy-to-follow steps
- Great pictures, demonstrating different progressions of the stretches, as well as what muscles are being affected
- Focus on breathing
- Stretches for any activity and time of day
- Targets every muscle
Cons:
- None!
5/5 stars
The Topeka Shawnee County Public Library has its health book section easily available at the Health Neighborhood in the Adult West Wing. Check back here to read my weekly reviews on diet and exercise books and DVDs available to be checked out from TSCPL. Look online at tscpl.org to see if the book is checked in now, or to have it put on hold.
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