Fascial fitness Second Edition

A bestseller (over 80,000 copies sold) in a second, updated edition. Learn fascial exercises to
improve mobility and flexibility, avoid and treat pain, and improve sports performance.
In this second edition of his best-selling guide to fascial fitness, fascia researcher and Rolfing
therapist Dr. Robert Schleip shows you a series of practical exercises that you can easily
build into your day-to-day routine. He introduces the most recent scientific findings from the
world of fascial research, and explains which methods and equipment are most effective for
fascial health (as well as which ones do more harm than good!). These new findings are
already changing the shape of physiotherapy and the methods of treatment and recovery we
use today, and will continue to do so in the future.
Physiotherapists, sports scientists, and doctors agree that if we want to stay flexible,
energetic and pain-free in our day-to-day lives and sporting pursuits, we need to look after
our connective tissue – our ‘fascia’. There has been a great deal of research into this over the
last few years, all of which shows that the fascia around our muscles plays a huge role in
keeping us fit, healthy, flexible, and feeling good. This versatile tissue transfers energy to the
muscles, communicates with the nervous system, acts as a sensory organ, helps to protect
and regenerate our internal organs, and provides the foundations for a healthy physique. We
used to think it was our muscles doing all the work, but now we know the connective tissue
plays a big part, too. It responds to stress and other stimuli, and when it gets matted or sticks
together, it can cause pain and mobility problems. That’s why it’s so important to train our
fascia – and just 10 minutes, twice a week is all it takes!