I have a problem with tight muscles/tendons, which extend from my feet to my back. A physical therapist told me that all of my problems began with tight calves. He's given me a list of stretches to do, but they are tedious and don't seem to be working. My other exercise routine includes an occasional basketball game. What do you recommend?

-- FRITAJ

I recommend that you listen to your therapist, Frita. I know it's frustrating to be given a list of exercises to perform and I know that stretching can be boring. It may not be as fun as playing basketball, but it's absolutely essential in maintaining your body and preventing serious injuries.

Loss of flexibility can impair our ability to perform certain movements. Michael Jordan can't get as much lift when taking his jump shot if he doesn't stretch his lower back, hamstrings, and calves, and neither can you! Stretching takes time. It takes time to stretch properly and thoroughly, and it takes time to reverse the tightness in our muscles that develops over years of playing sports, sitting at desks all day, wearing high heels (if you're like Dennis Rodman), and getting older.

Maybe warming up your muscles before you stretch by walking, cycling, or swimming, will make it easier to perform your routine. If you want to stretch at home, taking a hot shower will also help you loosen up before you stretch. Finally, it's always easier to stretch at the end of the day and it's a great way to relieve mental stress as well as muscular tension. Once you get into it, I'm sure you'll start to enjoy it.

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