Freetrainers.com brings you another tip of the week. This week we will take a many benefits of stretching which everyone may enjoy. Let's take a closer look.  Stretching several times a week, especially before and after exercise, can improve your flexibility and your overall health and wellness  Increased flexibility improves your athletic performance, general health, well being, body posture, muscle tone, and appearance.  Stretching before exercise can lower the risk of injuring muscles, joints, and ligaments.  Since flexibility decreases with age, a regular stretching program can improve flexibility making everyday tasks of reaching, bending, and turning, much easier to accomplish.  Stretching and increased flexibility helps support the major muscle groups and prevents posture problems in the back and neck.  Hold each stretch for at least 15 seconds, relax for 30 seconds, and repeat the stretch. DO NOT bounce!  Are you running on a busy schedule? Pressed for time? Then try some of these tips:Pressed for time? Try these tips:  Stretch in the morning while you read the paper or a magazine later in the day.  Stretch during the commercials while watching television.  Stretch at your desk-set a reminder on your electronic calendar to remind you to stretch at your desk. The websites below show sample stretches.