Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  III John 1:2

Staying Flexible

These books are helpful for any age!  As the body ages, however, it becomes more inflexible and is subject to more aches and pains.  It is especially helpful to have easy-to-follow resources for keeping the major muscles of the body flexible and free from unnecessary pain .  Here are a couple books I have found most helpful.

The Anatomy of Stretching

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by Brad Walker.
Of the books on stretching I've looked at, I appreciate this one because of its simple instructions and clear visuals, showing just which muscles are being stretched. It is color-coded by body section, making it easy to locate stretches for a particular muscle group. It also includes information on which activities and which injuries are helped by the stretch.

Foam Rollers

Getting a good quality foam roller for myofascial release will help relieve tension and restore elasticity in your muscles.  It's not difficult to use and is especially helpful if you have IT Band issues, tight hip flexors, quads, or hamstrings.  
They come in different sizes and densities.  I've found a medium to hard density, 36" long roller to be most helpful.  Shorter rollers are cheaper, but harder to balance on!
Using a foam roller for your IT Band.

The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook
Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief

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by Clair Davies with Amber Davies.
The front cover simply lists the following:  Fibromyalgia, Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome, Low Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tennis Elbow, Neck and Jaw Pain, Frozen Shoulder Pain, Arthritis, Headaches, Sore Knees and Feet, Accident Trauma, Joint Pain and Muscle Aches, Sports and Repetitive Strain Injury.

The part I like? "Self-Treatment Guide"
Fitness Basics Presentation Notes
Fitness Basics Power Point

Getting Stronger

The WH Big Book of Exercises 
(there is also a Men's Health version of the same exercises)

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by Adam Campbell.
Definitely this book is packaged to appeal to body-image. However, the explanation of the exercises and the inclusion of what NOT to do when performing an exercise, has made this versatile reference a valuable resource based on sound fitness principles.  For the beginner, the 615 exercises might feel daunting, so the book helpfully highlights Main Movement exercises--and starting with just those exercises brings the manual back to "doable"!  The variations on the main movements make the book an excellent resource for more experienced exercisers and wards off boredom.  

American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Exercise Library

The mission of this organization is to promote active, healthy lifestyles and their positive effects on the mind, body and spirit. ACE's goal is to enable all segments of society to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and protect the public against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.
"Fitness is intentional, but Flab comes with no effort at all!"

My Guidelines for Recommending Fitness Resources