Lisa Bell, Know Your Numbers

It is easy to skip stretching when you exercise, but don't. All it takes is five minutes every time you work out.

Whether it is your only workout, or you do it before and after your workout, stretching needs to become a permanent part of your exercise routine. 

Doctors say not only will flexibility help prevent injury, but having flexible muscles now will help keep you limber as you get older.

You should stretch each of the major muscle or tendon groups for 10 to 30 seconds each and repeat between one and four times before and after you work out, or at least two or three times a week if you don't have a regular exercise routine.