Most people think stretching should come before physical activity. But a five to 10-minute warm-up will get your muscles loose and ready for a good stretch. Start by putting a single muscle or group of muscles under light tension, allowing the muscles and tendons to lengthen, which will give you more range and flexibility. Stop if it hurts! This is a good tip to keep in mind no matter what you're doing. You'll want to maintain each stretch for about 15 seconds. Lengthening the muscles gradually is the key. Never bob or bounce.

A good checklist is: shoulders, back, thighs, calves, arms, and neck. If you're stretching before a jog or game of tennis, you'll want to cool down with a stretch afterwards, too. This removes lactic acid, which causes muscle soreness. Stretch along with this video to work your basic muscle groups.

The great thing about stretching is you can extend a leg and reach toward your toes at work. While you're at your desk all day, why not give your neck, back, and arms a little pull every now and then? It'll make your body feel less stiff by the end of the day and help wake you up when you're drifting offffffffffffffff.

Stretching is so effective, you can skip the hardcore workout and try yoga instead. Through its endurance, strengthening, stretching, aerobic, and non-aerobic exercises, yoga will tone your entire body. Controlled breathing and a peaceful environment will help relax your mind, too.

Stretching is one of the quickest and easiest ways to stay limber and active. Try the 7 simple stretches above for a week. Your body will feel more limber and your mind more relaxed; or is it the other way around?