Stretching is one of those basic things we all know we should do but all too often end up skipping, or worse yet, doing incorrectly. So number one don't skip it! And if you think you might be doing it incorrectly here's a few general guidelines to make sure you're doing it right:

• Spend at least 5 to 10 minutes stretching before any exercise.
• Keep muscles relaxed, move slowly, and never bounce.
• Stretch until you feel tension in the muscles, but not so far that it hurts.
• While breathing slowly and deeply (don't hold your breath!) hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds.
• Relax, and then stretch for another few seconds before moving on.
• Repeat each stretch several times.