Stretching
Flexibility Training is not associated with fitness as often as cardiovascular exercise or Strength Training, even though it is just as important. A good stretching program will help to maintain flexibility of the hips and lower back. A flexible person will be less likely to injure themselves in common activities, such as reaching, twisting and turning, or in uncommon activities such as the annual softball tournament.

Before stretching, take a few minutes to warm up the muscles because stretching a cold muscle can cause injury. Start your stretch slowly, exhaling as you gently stretch the muscle. Try to hold each stretch 15 to 30 seconds. Don't bounce when you stretch. Holding a stretch offers less chance of injury. Don't strain or push a muscle too far. If it hurts, ease up. Here are a few stretches you can incorporate into your exercise program:

SEATED TOE TOUCH
Sit on the floor with your legs together and straight out in front of you. Do not lock your knees. Extend your fingers toward your toes, exhaling as you go. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the start position, and repeat as necessary.

STANDING QUADRICEPS STRETCH
Using a wall to provide balance, grasp your left ankle with your left hand and hold to stretch. Your knee should be pointing toward the floor. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat with your right leg, and continue to alternate as necessary.

STANDING CALF STRETCH
Standing about three to four feet from the wall, take one step forward with your right foot. Place your hands on the wall in front of you. Bend your right leg slowly, using your movement to control the amount of stretch in the left calf. Your left heel should remain on the ground. Slowly bring yourself back to the starting position and switch legs. Repeat as necessary.

BICEP/CHEST STRETCH
Grasp an immovable object (pole or corner of a wall) with your feet planted firmly and evenly on the floor. With the palm of your stretched side facing forward, rotate your hips away from that hand. Be careful not to rotate too far or hyperextend the elbow joint. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat with the opposite side, and continue to alternate as necessary.

TRICEP STRETCH
Stand erect with your eyes fixated straight ahead. Raise and bend your right arm until your forearm is parallel to the floor (palm down). Grasp the area below the right elbow with your left hand. Gently apply a constant upward force for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat as necessary.

SHOULDER STRETCH
Make sure your feet are even and planted firmly on the floor. Grasp your right arm, behind the elbow, with your left hand. While keeping both elbows bent, apply a gentle, constant pull to the left for 15 to 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat as necessary.

UPPER BACK STRETCH
Stand facing an immovable object, feet even and flat on the floor. Grasp the object (fingers interlocked or one hand over the other) and slowly move your hips to the rear. Be very careful not to round your back. Only stretch as far as your comfort zone. Hold for 15 to 30 seconds and repeat as necessary.

If you experience chest pains, dizziness or shortness of breath, stop exercising immediately and consult your physician before continuing any exercise.