Customer Reviews

Dynamic Stretching: The Revolutionary New Warm-up Method to Improve Power, Performance and Range of Motion

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author tells us that . . . "today's fitness experts have discovered that both stretching and how you stretch can affect how well you perform on the field, court or track." That is the basis of this new book on a most valuable topic.

Those of us who exercise a good deal, often neglect stretching. Moreover, we neglect stretches specific to our sport or functional needs. With this book, there's no longer an excuse for that.

You will discover how to:

Develop full body range of motion
Enhance full-body motor control
Increase flexibility, balance and muscular endurance
Improve force generation and reaction time
Correct major and minor muscle imbalances

Most of the stretches are sport-specific. So, to that extent, it somewhat limits it's interest to some. Nonetheless, I found exercises that would be worthwhile to most anyone. In fact, the second part of the book shows how to do stretches that can be done by anyone without regard to a specific sport. For example, you'll learn the high-knee lateral skip and the dynamic empty can. You'll also learn variations. The photos are black and white and fairly small. But, they easily demonstrate how to do the stretches and the instructions are given in 1,2,3 order so you can't mess up.

If you want to learn some new stretches that will make you perform better in your sport and simply function better in everyday living, you'll love this book.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

This book is great! if your wondering why I only gave it four stars let me explain.
I bought this book under the assumption that I would be getting more infomation on some advanced sports stretching. while there is some stretching in this book, it is geared for pre and post warm-up excersizes up for sports.
Now for the Pros. This book is a great step by step warm-up guide, perfect for beginner coaches or self coached persons looking to get a good pre workout/game warm-up and not knowing where to start. As a Marine Sergeant I utilize and am constantly searching for better warm-ups all the time when getting the guys ready for PT (physical training), so this book helps out greatly.

Excellent photos of each exercise.
I am impressed with all of the photos in this little book!
Most fitness books skimp on the pictures but this book goes all out!
Great instructions too!
I would give this book 10 stars if I could!

As a soccer coach, I was very interested in this book because it covers dynamic stretching as opposed to traditional, static stretching, and I hoped it would give me some new (or more efficient) ideas.

As someone who spends a good deal of time learning about athletic performance many of these exercises weren't new to me, but a few were. I mention that because if you don't spend as much time as I do, you will find A LOT of useful information and exercises, and even if you are well-versed, you could very well find some new exercises like I did.

Pros:
- Gives a primer on dynamic stretching (for the uninitiated); but it's short (for the initiated)
- Lots of exercises
- A picture for each step of each exercise
- Sport-specific program for several sports including suggested number or reps/distance

Cons:
- Explanations are not always clear
- The soccer "program" is fairly basic

Bottom line:
It's worth it for coaches, athletes, and individuals looking to begin or expand upon a dynamic stretching routine.

I was looking for a book on warmup as I have injured myself several times over the years and mostly because of improper warmup.
It has warmup routines for multiple sports with easy to follow and good photos.

I was able to create my own personal routine very quickly.
I'd like to see this book sold with some videos that would help me understand some of the stretches in this book.

My son has a personal training business & requested this book for his birthday. He says that he uses these methods in his business and personal training daily. He is very happy to own this book.

I wouldn't recommend this book unless you need ideas for warming up before specific sports. But even then, there are only so many exercises listed for each. Good intro though about why you shouldnt be doing static stretches before sports.

Great book. Introduction is short, the focus of the book is really the exercises and plans. I don't follow a particular exercise program, so I just try to do all of the exercises i can given the amount of time i have. Some these won't work well for you if you are recovering from foot or leg injuries (e.g. jumping, running combination stretches may be too "high-impact"), but there are lots of other options. Some of these seem lame in that it doesn't look like you do too much, but if you focus your attention to the movement (both the stretch and contraction), you will benefit from it. I look forward to the "Scorpion" as it is a real hard one for me, but it feels so good once i'm done. It has a few typographical errors throughout, but nothing big. I would like a section devoted to dynamic stretches that may be good to support/prevent certain injuries such as plantar fasciitis or bursitis. I highly recommend this book. And for this price, it's cheaper than most lunches around here.

Facts based on research are so much better than hit or miss techniques and traditional warm up routines. Dynamic stretching just makes great sense. I'm glad I read it. Now to apply it.

I really appreciated the thought and organization that went into this little book. I like the fact that the exercises are organized according the type of activity you are going to participate in.