In the mid-1970s, Bob and Jean Anderson published a book out of their Southern California garage.  The book was on stretching, and it was based on Bob’s experience.  One day in college Bob realized that from a straight-legged sitting position he couldn’t reach much past his knees.

   So Bob Anderson began stretching regularly and soon realized he felt better, and running and cycling became easier.  Jean took pictures of Bob and drew pen and ink sketches based on the photos.  Her drawings were so simple and clean they made it nearly impossible to misunderstand how to do each stretch.

   The exercises in this book cover nearly every muscle group.  Stretching includes stretches for morning and evening, at desk or gardening, while watching TV or riding in an airplane.  There are stretches for dozens of sports, from table tennis to wrestling to rodeo. 

   The logic of the book is simple.  Stretching relaxes the mind and tunes the body.  It reduces tension, increases the range of motion, and aids in coordination.  It makes you feel better.

   We arrive on the planet with a flexible body able to meet life’s challenges.  In time, we lose that flexibility unless we do something about it.  Those who have been exposed to trauma find their body holds on to that trauma unless they stretch it out. That's why stretching can be an important part of emotional recovery.

   Stretching is also wonderful for those people who would like to do yoga or tai chi, but feel, at present, they simply do not have the time.