Regular stretching helps keep muscles and joints strong and reduce the incidence of injury. To increase your joint’s current range of motion, the surrounding muscles have to be stretched progressively beyond their accustomed length. For example, stretching your waist muscles can help prevent back injury. Stand with a half squat with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent and hands on hips. Bend slowly to the left then back to the center. Then bend to the right. You should feel the tension at your waist muscles. Keep it parallel without leaning forwards or backwards. It takes merely 5 minutes for 10 repetitions!