If you're a dog or cat owner, you've probably noticed how often your pet likes to stretch. Stretching feels good, especially after lying around all day. Or, as is more often the case with humans, sitting around all day.

But unlike our furry friends, we're not as likely to get up and stretch our bodies after long bouts of inactivity, even though our bodies would like nothing more. From sitting all day at a desk or computer, we usually move on to a seat in a car, bus, or train, and then home to more seated activity - eating, reading, watching television, paying bills, answering email.

With 60% of people over the age of 50 leading an inactive life, is there any wonder that we see more health problems related to joints and muscles that rebel by becoming stiff, sore and even painful? Aging, too, contributes to tight muscles and poor flexibility because, as we age, muscles tend to become less elastic and tissues around the joints thicken. That hampers movement. In fact, you can lose 10% of your flexibility every 10 years if you do nothing! This is really the case of "if you don't use it, you'll lose it."

The best physical activity routine is one that includes all four building blocks of fitness: flexibility and stability, endurance activities (aerobics, walking), strength training, and balance.

Stretching helps keep your muscles loose, which improves your flexibility. Regular stretching can make you more mobile, making it easier to bend down, as well as reach for things in cupboards, says Jay Blahnik, a fitness expert and author of the book, "Full-Body Flexibility." "It's like a reward that you can feel every day." There are other rewards too. Staying flexible can help you:

Stretching increases flexibility. Flexible muscles can improve your daily performance. Tasks such as lifting packages, bending to tie your shoes or hurrying to catch a bus become easier and less tiring.

Stretching improves range of motion of your joints. Good range of motion keeps you in better balance, which will help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls - especially as you age.

Stretching improves circulation. Stretching increases blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.

Stretching promotes better posture. Frequent stretching keeps your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture and minimize aches and pains.

Stretching can relieve stress. Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.

Stretching may help prevent injury. Preparing your muscles and joints for activity can protect you from injury, especially if your muscles or joints are tight.

Keep these safety tips in mind when you stretch:

Start slowly. It will become easier to stretch with practice.

Don't force it. Overstretching can cause pain and injury. You might feel slight tension as you ease into a stretch, but it shouldn't hurt. If it does, stop.

Breathe deeply. Don't hold your breath. Breathing slowly and deeply will help you relax and make stretching easier.

Warm up. If you stretch before exercising, warm up your body for at least five minutes first, with light movement such as walking or marching in place. You should avoid stretching a cold muscle, as you can increase your risk of pulling it.

Stretch all major muscle groups, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Fitness professionals recommend focusing on calf muscles, front and back thigh muscles (quadriceps and hamstrings), hip flexors, chest (pectoral) muscles, and upper back muscles. You also can stretch your neck, shoulders, wrists, and ankles.

Listen to your body and do what you can. Everyone has a different level of flexibility, which is partly determined by your genes.

Whether you're trying to get active or have been active a long time, stretching will make you feel great all over.

Proper hydration is vital for everyone, not just active individuals. On average, 64 ounces (1.8L) of water a day is considered optimal, but the need increases with exercise as well as other factors like heat and humidity.

The best way to combat dehydration is to keep a water bottle, hands-free system, or similar portable water container on hand and drink from it throughout the day.

We have had some great therapists come and go since we opened in 2005, but those that have left, have created a need for new therapists. If there is anyone out there that knows of a physical therapist that wants to work 30 hours a week in a very relaxed atmosphere, have them give us a call.