Stretching exercises increase your flexibility. Flexibility helps to prevent injury while exercising; helps prevent lower back injuries, and gives you greater range of motion in everyday activities.

Yoga classes or videos are a great way to stretch, strengthen and relax. Be sure to choose a beginner class or tape because it is much more challenging than many people think and can lead to injuries. If you have a back injury, check with your doctor before trying yoga or pilates.

Never bounce while stretching. Bouncing to try and stretch further actually interferes with your body’s ability to stretch. When you stretch, relax as you hold the stretch for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Concentrate on extending the stretch out further as you breathe out. Be aware of other parts of your body that may be tensing as part of the stretch and concentrate on relaxing them as well.