CHRISTY FEIG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): You're excited about getting through your workout. But before you begin, be sure to warm up and stretch it out. Fitness experts say stretching is a must because it decreases the risk of injury. When done on a regular basis, stretching can also increase your flexibility, to allow for easier movement and better balance. Other benefits include relieving lower back pain, reducing muscles soreness, promoting relaxation, improving posture, agility and athletic performance. Stretching conditions the muscles for exertion and exercise, making every muscle movement more efficient. Ideally, people should stretch at least 20 seconds before each type of exercise and at least 40 seconds after. For Feeling Fit, I'm Christy Feig.
Feeling Fit: The Importance of Stretching