Stretching is an easy thing you can do to improve your health, yet it's often the most neglected part of people's fitness regimens. Stretching can reduce your injury risk and help you become more limber, regardless of your age and physical condition.

Good warm-ups and cool-downs can keep you from getting hurt when you do more intense aerobic activities that last 30 minutes or longer.

We often think stretching and warming up are one and the same. They're actually quite different.

While it's true that stretching won't strengthen your heart or flatten your stomach, it can help you reach those goals more efficiently.

Older adults are learning tai chi to improve their balance and reduce their risk of falling. Tai chi offers an aerobic benefit, too.

Fatigue, stress and bad posture can cause stiffness and soreness in the shoulders, neck, chest and upper back. Doing stretches regularly can help prevent and relieve these conditions.

Regardless of which type you choose, yoga is an excellent way to stretch and strengthen your body, focus your mind and relax your spirit.

Stretching can keep your lower legs limber and your joints pain free.