The Runner's Expert Guide to Stretching

The ultimate stretching guide, designed to help runners of all abilities run further, avoid injuries and achieve better times. Stretching is an incredibly important aspect of running and yet it is frequently overlooked or poorly executed. This book details and explains all the stretches that can ease pain, build strength and enhance running performance. Written by the globally respected physiotherapist, Paul Hobrough, who works with Olympic and World Champion athletes, The Runner's Expert Guide to Stretching will help runners to understand their bodies, identify weaknesses and develop a natural defence against injury. With easy-to-understand explanations of anatomy and physiology, and a comprehensive directory of running stretches, runners of any age or ability will find an ideal range of stretches, clearly organised by body part, as well as a detailed strength and conditioning programme. With more than 2 million of us running at least once a week in the UK alone, this is the go-to guide for every runner.

Paul Hobrough is a chartered physiotherapist, sports scientist, bestselling author and Clinical Director of Physio&Therapy UK. A Team GB athlete for 16 years, Paul writes for Runner's World magazine and is recognised as a leading authority on injury prevention. His physiotherapy practice is based in Harley Street, London, and Northumberland, England. He is the lead physiotherapist for the Virgin London Marathon, and works with numerous Olympic and World Champion athletes.

Introduction Running Explained Stretching Muscle Myths: Stretching Science Debunked Strength Training Anatomy and physiology Diet and Nutrition Before You Start Equipment Checking your Strength and Flexibility Reducing Injury Coping with injury The Basics Exercises Stretches and Strength Exercises by Body Area Building Strength Strength and Conditioning Workouts Final Word Acknowledgements Bibliography Index