Stretching is a fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Loosening up your limbs before exercise can help prevent injury and make you feel ready for action. It can also help relieve the physical pain and discomfort that are common side effects of the stresses of modern life.

If you suffer from lower back pain, try this stretch from Total Fitness‘s Steven Virtue to help improve your flexibility.

Piriformis stretch

1 Lie on your back with both your knees bent, keeping your feet flat on the floor.

2 Bring your right foot up to rest on your left thigh.

3 Place your hands behind your left thigh and pull your thigh towards your chest so that you feel a stretch.

4 Hold this position for one minute, then swap to the other side.

Read our full expert guide to stretching in the latest issue of Healthy For Men, on sale now in Holland & Barrett stores and online at hollandandbarrett.com