The Whartons’ Stretch Book: Active-Isolated Stretching
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Description
Discover a revolutionary approach to flexibility with The Whartons’ Stretch Book. This guide introduces Active-Isolated Stretching, a breakthrough method that replaces outdated, harmful stretching techniques. Instead of long, painful holds, you’ll learn a simple, two-second stretch that works with your body’s natural reflexes to improve performance and prevent injury. Featuring 59 illustrated stretches tailored for over 55 sports and daily activities, this book is your essential guide to a safer, more effective flexibility program. Used by professional athletes and now available to everyone, it promises outstanding results for better movement and well-being.
Product Details
- Publisher: Harmony
- Publication date: July 9, 1996
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 253 pages
- ISBN-10: 0812926234
- ISBN-13: 978-0812926231
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.36 x 0.63 x 9.14 inches
Advantages
- Revolutionary Method: Introduces the Active-Isolated Stretching technique, a scientifically developed method that is safer and more effective than traditional static stretching.
- Injury Prevention: Specifically designed to work with the body’s natural reflexes to avoid muscle tears and tightness associated with aggressive, long-hold stretches.
- Comprehensive Guide: Contains a detailed catalog of 59 stretches covering five major body zones, plus specific routines for over 55 sports and common daily activities.
- Broad Applicability: Offers tailored advice not just for athletes but also for office workers, drivers, expectant mothers, and older individuals looking to improve flexibility and avoid surgery.
Our Recommendations
- Athletes of All Levels: From professionals to weekend warriors seeking to boost performance, increase flexibility, and reduce recovery time.
- Individuals with Chronic Tightness: Anyone struggling with muscle stiffness from daily activities like desk work, keyboarding, or driving.
- Fitness Enthusiasts & Trainers: Coaches and personal trainers looking for a scientifically-backed method to enhance flexibility and prevent injuries for their clients.
- Special Populations: Highly recommended for older adults and expectant mothers who require safe, gentle, and effective stretching routines.
Conclusion
The Whartons’ Stretch Book is more than a collection of exercises; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach flexibility. By teaching the Active-Isolated method, it provides a safer, more dynamic, and highly effective way to increase range of motion, improve athletic performance, and prevent injury. Whether you're an elite athlete or simply seeking relief from the stiffness of daily life, this guide offers a proven, easy-to-follow system for achieving superior flexibility and long-term health.
Anna Smith –
Life Changer
I have used this book over many years to guide me into flexiblility and strength. I had loaned it out and not got it returned. I decided it was time to replace it and start again, after a longe lapse in following the exercises. I am using it again, and after a week already feel the difference – in a good way. Followed correctly these exercises are SO helpful.
W. Wolfe –
Best core routine I’ve found
I’ve kept coming back to this book for 20 years. Some of the criticisms of other reviewers have merit. The illustrations and directions can be confusing and add to the time needed for the routines when starting out. And many, maybe most, users will have trouble making time for the entire full-body circuit. The authors’ insistence that each “zone” routine must include all exercises tends towards an “all or nothing” outlook that will lead some readers to choose “nothing.”Even so, I give it five stars because I’ve yet to find a better stretching routine for the core (Zone 1 in the book). It take me about 30 minutes to get through it with 10 reps and 2-second holds, and I always feel taller, straighter, and more relaxed when I finish. There are other, more accessible stretching options for neck, shoulders, arms and hands, and lower legs/feet, but the Zone 1 core stretches remain the one routine I will do after a workout.
C. Cowan –
I liked this book
This book is concise and well put together. The explanations for the various stretches are well written and easy to follow and the diagrams are excellent. The length of time required is a bit daunting at first, but I find this improving as I get to know the routine and details of the stretches. I liked the fact that they provide benchmarks for how flexible you should be, and tests of how flexible you are to start with, so you can measure progress. I found some of my muscle groups were OK, but quite a few are too tight, an eye opener, and the probable reason for a recent nasty case of shin splints from hiking. I’m looking forward to seeing how things work out. Best of all, I felt good after doing the routines, which is a great incentive to do more. A one inch thick dog leash with an adjustable loop works better than a rope, for the many stretches requiring the assistance of a rope!I had gotten this book from the library, and meanwhile ordered the Aaron Mattes book from Amazon…. However the Whartons book seems better organized and easier to follow, for me, so I just ordered my own copy. I guess that’s the best recommendation I can give.
Mitch Bowers –
I liked this book
This book is concise and well put together. The explanations for the various stretches are well written and easy to follow and the diagrams are excellent. The length of time required is a bit daunting at first, but I find this improving as I get to know the routine and details of the stretches. I liked the fact that they provide benchmarks for how flexible you should be, and tests of how flexible you are to start with, so you can measure progress. I found some of my muscle groups were OK, but quite a few are too tight, an eye opener, and the probable reason for a recent nasty case of shin splints from hiking. I’m looking forward to seeing how things work out. Best of all, I felt good after doing the routines, which is a great incentive to do more. A one inch thick dog leash with an adjustable loop works better than a rope, for the many stretches requiring the assistance of a rope!I had gotten this book from the library, and meanwhile ordered the Aaron Mattes book from Amazon…. However the Whartons book seems better organized and easier to follow, for me, so I just ordered my own copy. I guess that’s the best recommendation I can give.
Daniel P –
Excellent Book
This is the third copy of this book that I have purchased because I give it out to friends who have back problems. I have had back problems since I was 23 (I’m now 56)and tried traditional medicine and then went to a chiropractor on a monthly basis for 10-years. A few years ago I had a herniated disc and was seeing my chiropractor once a day. I was still in severe pain. I saw the stretch book at a book store and decided to try it.It really worked. After doing the stretches in the book for 21 days I was pain free. I also stopped seeing my chiropractor and haven’t had any severe pain since. I’m so flexible now that I can adjust my own back. As long as I continue the stretch program there are no back problems. Currently, I bicycle at least 150 miles per week. The occasional spills on my bike do not result in any serious injury because my body is so limber from stretching.I recommend this book for everyone because when you stay flexible you are less prone to injuries. This book has a stretch for every part of your body.
Lori Graham –
Terrific basic and comprehensive book on stretching
I thought the book was great. It gave you the basics at the beginning and then got to the stretches. It divides the body up into zones. These exercises are so comprehensive they include finger stretches and stretches for your feet! I’m middle aged and now have a completely sedentary job in front of computer screens as many of us do. By stretching my muscles I am finding natural pain relief. Carpel tunnel has been a problem for me as well as rheumatoid arthritis in my feet. This book is basic, nothing fancy but it is complete. You can concentrate on just 1 area of your body or do a different “zone” every night, which is what I’m doing. I bought it used and paid $6 for it. It’s an investment in your health and darn inexpensive. The cover was different than what was pictured but it’s the same book. I’m completely satisfied.
Utente –
I Wharton hanno fatto la storia dello stretching. Chi è interessato a guadagnare mobilità può affidarsi ciecamente a questo libro.
Nils Roger Andersson –
This one didn’t do it for me.If you are new to stretching it offers some good advice though. But if you have done it for a while you may not find this anything out of the ordinary.
Moisés Bueno –
If you do not know how to stretch properly this book is great. it is divided into sections and these sections are linked to the sport that you practice
Fitz –
Excellent book that encompasses a number of properties of muscles to guide and manage the effects of exercise. The 2 second hold and the relaxation induced by moving in the opposite direction to the target muscle first are really effective. I would note that I find increasing the amount of stretch after each 2 sec hold is not advised if the muscle is holding any tension and I find that applying the technique on a longer term basis can act as a re-educator for problematic muscle tension or guarding. Overall a great book…..only issue really bad illustrations.
Riddhi –
Nice