Stretching is the most overlooked, but the most important factor of exercising. Stretching helps prevent muscle pulls and tears. The following are tips to keep in mind for stretching right. Run or walk on a treadmill, or ride a stationary bike to warm up your muscles before stretching. Then, stretch all the basic muscle groups, including arms, buttocks, abs, neck, shoulders, legs, hips, and back. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds with a soft amount of tension. Do not bounce in a stretch! When stretching your muscle groups, you should not feel any pain. After you have finished your cardiovascular or strength-building exercise, be sure to stretch out again as part of your cool-down.

One of the culprits responsible for the increase in the number of overweight youngsters is a lack of exercise. Here are some tips from fitness expert Dr. Kenneth Cooper and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education on how to get your children moving.
- Offer rewards for exercising, such as tokens they can save to attend a sporting event or theme park.
- Have a “toy run” by hiding small, inexpensive toys along a neighborhood route. Walk or run with your child to pick up the prizes.
- Watch events on TV or movies with a sports theme, such as “The Karate Kid: or “The Rookie,” and then try to engage the kids in such an activity.
- Walk or ride a bike with your kids while doing errands.
- Plan birthday parties around a sports theme, such as bowling, miniature golf, or skating.

...especially when it comes to weight training. If you are speeding through your sets, you may not be maximizing your strength training potential.

When you speed through weight training, you may be using momentum to lift the weights. Also, the lowering of the weights is just as important as the lifting and may help in minimizing soreness.

The only way to keep your health
is to eat what you don't want,
drink what you don't like,
and do what you'd rather not
- MARK TWAIN -