Ultimate Flexibility: A Complete Guide to Stretching for Martial Arts

"I brought this book as I want to increase my flexibility. I'm not a martial artist and basically use exercise DVD's so was a bit hesitant. I headed to this as I have been using the Billy Blanks Tae-Bo DVD's (great!) that involve roundhouse and side kicks and wanted to increase the height of my kicks. However...the book is written in very plain language - no jargon and not intimidating. It talks about what influences your flexibility, and the different types of stretching. It then has sections on different stretches for each body part. The most useful section for me were a range of suggested workouts - each one working all body parts. These ranged from a basic core workout, a warm-up and cool down workout (and I have noticed a difference in my flexibility using these)and a range of suggested workouts for different types of sports. Even better, there is a section focusing on each body part listing page numbers for those exercises to respectively begin, maintain and increase flexibility in each part. This also includes 'shortcuts' for those body parts where you are experiencing short-term tension i.e. in the neck.that have also helped me. Whilst some of the pointers may be said to be basic, as I have forgotten my school days I found these extremely useful. There is also a good section on how your body works and the muscles and how increasing flexibilty works. I think the details in this book can be applied to anyone regardless of their sport, from complete beginners, to those more experienced. If there are any downsides to the book, I was personally not overkeen on the pictures for the stretches - these consisted of two black and white photo's with a brief description on how to perform it with a picture of how to start and how you should look when the stretch is performed, but that is such a minor quibble. I have not regretted buying this book as I think it is relevant, useful, and I am beginning to notice a difference having performed the core workout (15 mins)each day. "
~ Written on 2008-04-19

"This book taught me everything i would want to know about stretching. All i have to do now is actually do what i have read in order to become more flexible !!!"
~ Written on 2008-02-14

"Really like this book. Refer back to it often.

It's a big book; in it contains many pictures showing you how to perform a variety of stretches.

Covers all the topics needed to be known on stretching, and shows you how to perform just about every stretch you'll ever need.

Very good book."
~ Written on 2007-11-10

"I increased my flexibility by 300% in less than a month with this book. Need I say more?"
~ Written on 2007-09-28

"I found some excellent additions to my routine - if you follow it to the letter you WILL improve. Have a look at his videos as well they are ace. And just so as you know I am NOT one of his students."
~ Written on 2007-07-23