Stretching Anatomy

See inside every stretch—and maximize flexibility! Stretching Anatomy will arm you with the knowledge to increase range of motion, supplement training, enhance recovery, and maximize efficiency of movement. You’ll also gain a detailed understanding of how each stretch affects your body.

Stretching Anatomy is like having an X-ray of each stretch, only better. Not only do you see full-color illustrations of the muscles in action, but you also find out how changes in position can alter the muscle emphasis and difficulty and how variations can improve safety and effectiveness.

Each exercise includes detailed instruction on how to stretch, when to stretch, primary and secondary muscle emphasis, and which muscles are activated for support. Stretching programs provide three levels of difficulty, including light stretching that can be used as a warm-up or to aid in recovery from soreness or injury. And summary movement tables show how to customize stretching programs to focus on key problem areas.

Whether it is increased flexibility or reduced muscle soreness or tension, Stretching Anatomy allows you to see and feel the benefit of proper stretching technique.

About the Author

Arnold G. Nelson, PhD, is an associate professor in the department of kinesiology at Louisiana State University. A leading researcher on flexibility, he is considered one of the top authorities on how stretching affects muscle performance. Nelson is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine and earned his PhD in muscle physiology from the University of Texas at Austin. He resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Jouko Kokkonen, PhD, is a professor in exercise science at Brigham Young University in Hawaii. For more than 20 years, he has taught anatomy, kinesiology, exercise physiology, and athletic conditioning, and for 35 years he has coached track and field. Kokkonen’s research has revolved around the acute and chronic effects of stretching. He earned his PhD in exercise physiology from Brigham Young and now resides in Laie, Hawaii, with his wife, Ruthanne.

About the Illustrator

Jason M. McAlexander, MFA, founded Quail Ridge Studios in 2004, where he specializes in scientific and medical illustrations in both traditional and digital media. Previously, he served as art director and chief illustrator for a multinational publishing company based in Portland, Oregon. McAlexander received his bachelor’s degree in biological and premedical illustration from Iowa State University and went on to receive his master of fine arts degree in medical and biological illustration from the University of Michigan.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Neck
Chapter 2. Shoulders, Upper Back, and Upper Chest
Chapter 3. Arms, Wrists, and Hands
Chapter 4. Lower Trunk
Chapter 5. Hip
Chapter 6. Knees and Thighs
Chapter 7. Calves and Feet

Words of Praise

”Stretching Anatomy is the most complete guide to stretching I’ve seen. Its illustrations, tips, and explanations inspired me to stop procrastinating and start getting limber.”

Janet Lee
Deputy Editor, Shape

”The beautiful, highly detailed illustrations in Stretching Anatomy are the best I’ve ever seen, and the book’s advice and exercises are simple, clear, and easy to follow. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone—from novice exercisers to fitness professionals.“

Sara Kooperman, Owner and Executive Director of SCW Fitness Education