Stretching for 50+: A Customized Program for Increasing Flexibility, Avoiding Injury, and Enjoying an Active Lifestyle

This book gives me a wide range of easy stretching exercises for every area of the body that I am using to keep myself physically agile, loose and flexible for my 50+ age. Nobody should want to become more and more stiff as they get older and this book provides the material with which to keep youthfully mobile. It is well illustrated and well written. I am very pleased to have bought it. Another book which I have found to be excellent, and that I use in conjunction with this one is "Age Defying Fitness: Making the Most of Your Body for the Rest of Your Life." I research books very carefully before buying them and these are among the very best, in my opinion.

I instruct an exercise class for 50+ age group and found this book very helpful in organizing the stretching component of this class. The book has stretches you preform while standing, sitting on chairs and while on the floor. The stretches are shown with pictures of people preforming the stretch as well as detailed written instruction. The stretch is also shown as an advanced position. This book also gives information on stretching with arthritis, frozen shoulder, low back pain to mention just a few. I found this book very helpful.

I've become a fan of this author. Presentation is clear and concise and stretches are well-illustrated with photos. Many stretches have intermediate and advanced alternatives. There is a good introduction on how to stretch with illustrated dos and don'ts. As with his other books, the author provides ready-to-use programs. These include stretching programs for warm-up and cool-down; chronic conditions like arthritis, frozen shoulders, and knee and hip problems; sports like jogging, golf, biking, rowing, and skiing; and functional activities like gardening, housecleaning, and working at a computer. In short, this book is a great supplement to any exercise program and a must for those with chronic conditions.

In terms of its design and the appearance of photos and print on the page, this is a definite one-star. Though aimed at a 50+ audience, the type is thin, small and about an 80% grey instead of solid black. The abundant photographs showing the various stretches are reduced to nullities because they are printed in what seems to be a 50% gray. Important details on performance of the stretch are obscured. The net result is a visual guide that is difficult to read and comprehend. Before purchasing this book, I would strongly suggest you review it at a bookstore or library to determine if you can comfortably use it. In terms of content, it is an excellent compendium of stretching techniques for persons over 50. There is a short section of guidance and advice e at the beginning, some suggestions for specific stretching programs and then on to the stretches themselves. As noted, there are plenty of photos which are difficult to use and adequate instructions for each stretch. Appropriate warnings regarding specific stretches are provided. I would think twice before ordering any other books from this author or publishing imprint because of the very low production quality and poor design. But in terms of content, it’s okay.Jerry

After hearing somewhere that cats didn't get arthritis because they stretch frequently; and having a fitness friend recommend this author; and being quite a bit over 50 and stiff in the knees and hips; and being told to get some exercise, I bought this book. I was happy to see that there is a diverse range of stretches shown in diagram and written directions so that I could start out at a very doable beginner pace without special equipment. My flexibility has improved and now do easy stretching with my cat to remind me so what's not to like about this training book.

I was very disappointed in this book. After a repetitious introduction extolling, rightfully, the necessity of flexibility, the reader is presented with a smorgasbord of photographs and brief descriptions of exercises for different parts of the body. Most photos and descriptions are good, but some are not very helpful. There is no guidance on how to put together a balanced set of stretching exercises, nor is there any guidance on how to take into account a person's age or physical condition. Exercises that may be good for a fifty-year-old may not be appropriate for some in their seventies or eighties who may be coping with osteoarthritis. The author may be very good in the gym, but conveying his skill in writing is clearly beyond him.

This is a wonderful book. As the result of an accident many years ago I was introduced to stretching to limber things up, and for the past fifteen years (I'll be 90 in a few months) I have been diligent in streching five time per week. Have gone to stretch classes, done yoga, read seveal books, have seen tapes etc. etc; and , believe me, his book is far and away the BEST and most COMPLETE work on the subject. No matter your age if you follow these exercises wisely you will avoid the slouch, the stoop and the general structural limitations and weaknesses which come with advancing age. And if you're over 60 and do the exercises regularly you'll have some fall protection (and remember that falls are the common fatal disease of the elderly.) We can't do anything about our genetics but we can use what we're given at birth with wisdom. Great Book!

I like the exercises.They are simple and easy to understand. I miss a bit more of an over-view that would help me "feel" what I am aiming for and understand the inter-connectedness of the muscle system.

A subject well suited to a layman

I do have quite the library on books for yoga and stretching. I teach Yoga, so it is well worth having many books- and looking for inspiration for new classes etc. This book is well worth buying !

This book is probably one of the most useful books any over 40 person could have in their library. The exercises are clearly presented with photos and text for a variety of muscles. You know what exercise to do for each muscle problem you have. No hard to do exercises that will make post 40 year olds dizzy are provided: like in so many other exercise books. I just wish the book were longer and covered even more muscles.

The pictures are not outstanding. It would be better in color.

Stretching for flexibility is a an important topic, quite often not adequately stressed in routine Gym training, even by professional trainers which ususally stress more cardiowork and/or strength training. Moreover stretching is often done improperly with ensuing damages. Good stretching leads to enhanced flexibility, leading also to improved balance: a very important, or rather vital issue for seniors and this little book is a good introduction to the subject. Figures are adeguate and clear enough. I might have liked it to go deeper, but I still recomend it to the novice as a useful introduction to safe stretching training by seniors.