Science of Flexibility [Hardcover]

Michael J. Alter (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0873229770 | ISBN-13: 978-0873229777 | Publication Date: April 2004 | Edition: 2nd

Based upon the latest research in the topic of flexibility, this revised and updated edition includes five new chapters. These chapters cover the hypermobility of joints; joint manipulation and chiropractic adjustment; controversial stretches; the relationship of stretching and special populations; and the functionality of stretching and flexibility for specific sports and health conditions. The first few chapters cover factors that limit flexibility, such as the titin filament in muscle, plasticity in the spinal cord's neural circuits, and the influence of circadian cycles. The remaining chapters discuss how such limiting factors can be modified to enhance joint range of motion. These chapters feature a variety of techniques to enhance flexibility throughout the body.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

A former gymnast, coach, and nationally certified men's gymnastics judge, Michael J. Alter is an expert on the subject of stretching. The first edition of his book, Science of Stretching, as well as the how-to book Sport Stretch, received rave reviews from athletes, coaches, trainers, and sports medicine professionals.

Alter earned his MS in health education from Florida International University in 1976. He taught high school physical education and coached gymnastics for several years prior to his current position in Miami as a high school teacher of history.

Alter has been a guest lecturer at annual meetings across the country, including the 1994 Chiropractic Sports Science Symposium and the 1992 Scientific Meeting of the North American Society of Pediatric Exercise Medicine.

In his leisure time, Alter enjoys bicycling, listening to classical music, working out with weights, and studying sports medicine.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Human Kinetics Publishers; 2nd edition (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873229770
• ISBN-13: 978-0873229777
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,762,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book for learning about how flexibility works..., September 23, 1999

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Science of Flexibility (Hardcover)

Great book for learning about flexibility, mobility and how your muscles work. It might be technical for many people, but you can always skim over the more difficult parts. It goes into every imaginable aspect of flexibility and flexibility training - what we know, what we *don't* know (yet) methods from yoga to dynamic stretches, tons of references, comparison of ideas, apllication to sport - wow. It compliments his other ( more to the point) practical book, which is "Sports Stretch". Either of both books are a must for anyone interested in the technical aspects of flexibility as well as sports training. Everytime I look into this book, I learn something new.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars back relief, January 24, 2011

By 

M. Chavez - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Science of Flexibility - 3rd Edition (Hardcover)

One of the best books I have ever read for dealing with flexibility issues and back problems. I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from back, neck, and stiffness issues. Thanks a million.