Customer Reviews

The Stark Reality of Stretching: An Informed Approach for All Activities and Every Sport

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

While I do have some complaints about this book, I think it is a worthy addition to the library of any serious athlete, martial artist (my case), or anyone who wants to stay fit. This book will demonstrate a safe way to stretch even for beginners and the terminally tight. There are clear diagrams of the targeted muscle groups. The "right" way to stretch is shown along with common mistakes that should be avoided--there are explanations of *why* these mistakes should be avoided (e.g. a mistake will end up stretching a ligament, not the targeted muscle). Explanations are given along with all the instructions--this is much more helpful than unexplained instructions and pictures, because the reader will understand what is happening, what he/she should or should not feel, etc. There are also explanations of the problems that can be caused if proper stretching is not practiced (e.g. bunions or plantar fascitis pain could be caused by tight calf muscles). I am naturally flexible (can do both the side and straddle splits cold) and already stretch very regularly but I still found the explanations insightful.

Now the complaints... it would have been great if Dr. Stark also included excercises for the upper body. Given his podiatric background, the lower body focus is understandable but makes his book incomplete. If you want only one stretching book, this is not generalized enough (Bob Anderson's book is much broader but less insightful, in my opinion). Stark is also over-conservative, claiming that certain stretches ("skill-level stretches", like the splits) should only be practiced from a young age. I think that many people will find such opinions disheartening--I myself only attempted (and achieved) the splits after I was in my twenties, as have many others. All in all, though, it's better to err on the side of safety and I can't imagine anyone getting injured by his stretches. Get this book for safe lower-body stretching, but buy something else, like "Scientific Stretching", if you want to really push yourself.

If you're looking for a lot of background on muscle physiology or a very specific method of stretching this book might interest you, but if you're looking for a good selection of stretches, you should be aware that you only get 6 stretches here. I found the title a little misleading, since "every sport" would seem to include tennis, baseball and swimming, but this book only addresses lower body flexibility. If you want to stretch your arms, back, shoulders, etc, you're out of luck here.

I also found it annoying that the author promotes his personal stretching theory while using outdated studies to discredit other methods. For example, he uses studies from the early 70s to prove that PNF stretching is bad for you when the PNF stretching theories in use right now were not even developed at the time of the studies. Seemed like he was selectively choosing among the available research to prove his point while disregarding accepted theories that don't bolster his own method.

For years I had practiced a series of stretches, picked up from various sources, in preparation for various physical activities that I enjoy: a little running, weight training, wing chun kung fu, and jeet kune do. Some of the stretches I had used were supposedly 'gentle' stretches, some even borrowed from yoga.

Well, I picked this book up after suffering, for the first time in my life at 37 years of age, SEVERE shin-splints. This book was partly instrumental in understanding the cause and alleviating the pain.

I would have to agree with other reviewers, though, that this book should include some upper body stretches, especially for the back. If you suffer back pain, it won't matter how well your lower body is stretched. A sore back will take you out of whatever sport you like to do.

I was surprised to see that some common stretches are just plain harmful and dangerous (for example, 'hurdlers' stretches inflict long-term damage to the knee ligaments of the trailing leg), including some that are part of Bob Anderson's book "Stretching." However, since Anderson's book is at least twenty years old, perhaps it is just in need of an update.

Update: since reading this book, I have spent a period with "The Wharton's Stretch Book" and later Thomas Kurz's "Scientific Stretching". "The Stark Reality of Stretching" focuses on static stretching, so in my opinion, the stretches it recommends are inappropriate before a sports activity. These stretches would be suitable as cool-down stretches or end-of-the-day relaxation stretches. A much better source for pre-sports stretching is "Scientific Stretching" by Thomas Kurz. This book simply doesn't cover the necessary bases for a comprehensive sports stretching program.

I have studied the martial arts for several years and ran cross country and indoor/outdoor track in high school. While I am not yet 30, I believe my lingering lower leg pain is due to poor "stretches" and exercises from earlier years in these activities. After reading Dr Stark's book, I will make changes in my exercise routine to hopefully prevent further damage.

I was shocked to see how many harmful "stretches" Dr Stark describes were taught by my coaches. Many trainers have no idea their desire to improve the conditioning of their athletes can cause long-term physical damage. (Guess what, coach? It's physically impossible to stretch the Achilles Tendon! Also, I can't stretch my hamstrings by standing, then bending over!)

Dr Stark clues the reader in to fundamental, powerful ideas, such as "loaded muscles can't stretch." Only relaxed muscles can stretch. Bouncing only causes muscles to cease relaxing.

I agree with an earlier reviewer that Dr Stark should address upper body stretching. While many of Dr Stark's patients' complaints are caused by lower extremity problems, athletes need sound upper body guidance too.

Be forewarned on the content of this book. While it rates 224 pages, some of the material is repetitive, the font is huge, and sometimes only a few paragraphs appear on a single page. Still, the amount of whitespace doesn't detract from the depth of material. The diagrams are clear and the recommended stretches are easy to follow.

Anyone who seeks to learn how to properly prepare for athletics, and wishes to remain fit for life, will enjoy Dr Stark's book.

If you read my other reviews, you'll know that I'm on a quest to determine the best, most effective, and safe methods to increase physical flexibility. Here's my take on Stark's book.

1. Stark does a great job of outlining human physical anatomy involved in lower body stretching. He does it with simple diagrams and plain language accessible to anyone.
Second, Stark outlines harmful stretches and techniques and dispels common myths concerning stretching. The price of the book is well worth paying for this information alone.

2. Most important Stark medically explains why the muscle can only be lengthened when it is relaxed and you cannot force a muscle to relax and lengthen. Hence the incredible potential stretching benefits of practices like Yoga.

3. The problem with Stark's book is this is as far as he takes it. He doesn't really make the leap of what is required to increase flexibility. He offers 6 simple stretches that are safe to perform, but using his method and stretches, it would take you over 100 years to increase your flexibility.

4. So, really this book reinforces the writings of people like Pavel: the muscle must be relaxed to stretch. I think the targeted audience of this book may be people who experience daily aches and pains from old athletic injuries and need simple, gentle stretching exercises.

Great as an addition to a fitness library but definitely not a stand-alone book.

As a registered physical therapist, I would highly recommend this book. Its primary strength lies in: How to stretch, and Mistakes in stretching. Dr Stark emphasizes gentle static stretching that is easy and very safe. You will not overstretch or damage your tissues with his approach. I discovered the book, in the bibliography of: The Pelvic Girdle, by Diane Lee.

Although I love Dr. Stark's book, it does have one area that needs improvement. The stretching exercises only address a few muscles that are prone to tightness (shortness) in the lower extremity. There is nothing for neck, upper extremity, or back muscles. The back muscles that need to be stretched are the quadratus lumborum and the erector spinae. Please make sure to include them in your stretching program utilizing Stark's principles.

Stretching is vital to good health. The Stark Reality of Stretching is an excellent source for achieving good health. Good health to you all! Ed CT1@attglobal.net

Stark Reality of Stretching might be seen as a real eye opener. The new material presented here on muscle stretching and physiology has been immediately recognized as a long needed reference and manual. Rather than relying on decades of dogma regarding athletic stretching techniques, Dr. Stark has done an excellent job of researching this subject, having waded through over fifty sources of medical literature. To this he has added his years of experience with sports medicine patients including athletes of world class.

This is not to say that the book is highly technical. The proper methods of stretching are uncomplicated and easy to understand. Illustrations of stretches are clear and easily followed. The accompanying instructions are broken down into important muscle groups including the majority of common injury and problem sites.

Dr. Stark notes the unfortunate drop out rate of young athletes, many of whom are forced into retirement due to repeated injury related to improper training. One is surprised to learn that some of the stretching and warm-up exercises that have been taught to virtually all school children may be the beginning of a long fall into serious and chronic soft tissue injury.

The strength of this book is that it is a new presentation of the latest view of proper physiological muscle stretching for the athlete aimed at optimum strength and safety. Stark Reality should be a must read for athletes, Phys-Ed teachers and those in the physical medical fields.

Stark's book is criticized here several times, for not addressing mid and upper body muscle groups. If I want advice on what to do about atherosclerosis, I will go see a cardiac specialist. And if I want expert advice for feet and closely associated physiology I will read Stark, because his methods and communication skills are among the best. Unlike some 'experts', Stark does not arrogantly venture beyond the scope of his discipline.

Stark is a podiatrist. Maybe some of the complainants should have checked out his credentials before purchase.

Stark Reality of Stretching might be seen as a real eye opener. The new material presented here on muscle stretching and physiology has been immediately recognized as a long needed reference and manual. Rather than relying on decades of dogma regarding athletic stretching techniques, Dr. Stark has done an excellent job of researching this subject, having waded through over fifty sources of medical literature. To this he has added his years of experience with sports medicine patients including athletes of world class.

This is not to say that the book is highly technical. The proper methods of stretching are uncomplicated and easy to understand. Illustrations of stretches are clear and easily followed. Accompanying instructions are broken down into important muscle groups including the majority of common injury and problem sites.

Dr. Stark notes the unfortunate drop out rate of young athletes, many of whom are forced into retirement due to repeated injury related to improper training. One is surprised to learn that some of the stretching and warm-up exercises that have been taught to virtually all school children may be the beginning of a long fall into serious and chronic soft tissue injury.

The strength of this book is that it is a new presentation of the latest view of proper physiological muscle stretching for the athlete aimed at optimum strength and safety. Stark Reality should be a must read for athletes, Phys-Ed teachers and those in the physical medical fields.

Learn the anatomy behind your muscles and why stretching is important. This book also includes several techniques for safe stretches.