A highly practical guide to achieving great results with stretching As an integral part of a fitness program, stretching decreases the risk of injury, relieves pain associated with stiffness or muscle soreness, improves athletic performance, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress. This thorough guide covers everything readers need to know to begin a safe, healthy, practical stretching regimen, providing an array of practices for all levels and situations. It features sections on specific stretches for target areas, quick stretches to relieve computer-desk stress, simple around-the-house stretches, routines for pregnant women and seniors, and stretches to prevent athletic injury. LaReine Chabut (Woodland Hills, CA) is a lifestyle and fitness expert, certified fitness instructor, and personal trainer. She is the author of Exercise Balls For Dummies (0-7645-5623-1).