“Stretching”, by Bob Anderson

Anderson, Bob. Stretching. Bolinas, Calif: Shelter, 1980. Print.

I wanted a book on stretching a few years ago, when my lower back was causing me problems and I was trying to do some DIY at-home help for it.  For some reason I didn’t come across this excellent book, which I’ve had out from the library for the last 9 weeks.  Unfortunately it didn’t become part of my routine, but I intend to stretch before I take it back tonight, and go back and get it again tomorrow!

The first part of the book describes various stretches – how to do them correctly, with lots of detail and description.  It’s organized by body part, roughly.  The second part of the book is organized by sport, with a one- or two-page spread for each sport or activity that you might want to stretch before or after.  The sketches are shown in a format that would make a nice poster, actually, with references back to the page where each one is described in detail.  It’s a great book for everyone, not just athletes – there are stretches to do before and after gardening!  (But not shoveling snow).