The importance of stretching when participating in a training program cannot be under-estimated. Stretching is crucial to ensure that the muscles stay flexible and elongated. Flexibility provides additional agility. Elongation eradicates the 'muscle-bound look' found in many body-builders.

Stretching is also crucial in injury prevention. Training can put significant strain on the body and it's when muscles are stiff, or not supple enough, that injury occurs.

Here are a few basic but effective stretches that will start you off on a good routine (if you haven't already started).