Brad Appleton - Stretching and Flexibility. Everything you never wanted to know

by Brad Appleton

<>
http://www.bradapp.net/

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This document is a modest attempt to compile a wealth of informationin order to answer some frequently asked questions about stretchingand flexibility. It is organized into chapters covering the followingtopics:

1. Physiology of Stretching
2. Flexibility
3. Types of Stretching
4. How to Stretch

Although each chapter may refer to sections in other chapters, it is notrequired that you read every chapter in the order presented. It isimportant, however, that you read the disclaimer before reading anyother sections of this document. See section . If you wish toskip around, numerous cross references are supplied in each section tohelp you find the concepts you may have missed. There is also an indexat the end of this document.

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I (Brad Appleton - the author of this document) do not claim tobe any kind of expert on stretching, anatomy, physiology, or any otherbiological science. I am merely attempting to compile information that Ihave read in books or that has been presented to me by knowledgeablesources.

The techniques, ideas, and suggestions in this document are notintended as a substitute for proper medical advice! Consult yourphysician or health care professional before performing any newexercise or exercise technique, particularly if you are pregnant ornursing, or if you are elderly, or if you have any chronic or recurringconditions. Any application of the techniques, ideas, and suggestionsin this document is at the readers sole discretion and risk.

The author and publisher of this document and their employers make nowarranty of any kind in regard to the content of this document,including, but not limited to, any implied warranties ofmerchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author andpublisher of this document and their employers are not liable orresponsible to any person or entity for any errors contained in thisdocument, or for any special, incidental, or consequential damagecaused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by theinformation contained in this document.

In other words: Im not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV! I can not beheld liable for any damages or injuries that you might suffer from somehowrelying upon information in this document, no matter how awful. Not evenif the information in question is incorrect or inaccurate. If you haveany doubt (and even if you dont) you should always check with your doctorbefore trying any new exercise or exercise technique.

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Thanks to all the readers of the `rec.martial-arts , `rec.arts.dance and `misc.fitness newsgroups on Usenet whoresponded to my request for questions (and answers) on stretching. Manyparts of this document come directly from these respondents. Thanks inparticular to Shawne Neeper for sharing her formidable knowledge ofmuscle anatomy and physiology.

Other portions of this document rely heavily upon the information in thefollowing books:

Further information on these books and others, is available nearthe end of this document. See section .

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I am not any kind of medical or fitness professional! I dohave over 6 years of martial arts training, and over 20 years of dancetraining in classical ballet, modern, and jazz. However, my primaryqualifications to write this document are that I took considerabletime and effort to read several books on the topic, and to combine theinformation that I read with the information supplied to me from manyknowledgeable readers of Usenet news. I have tried to write this documentfor all audiences and not make it specific to any particular sport or art(such as dancing or martial arts). I have also tried to leave out any ofmy own personal opinions or feelings and just state the facts as relatedto me by the real experts.

If you have specific questions or comments about the specific contentof one or more parts of the stretching FAQ, please email them to meat <>. However,