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A Reader's Digest brand

Laura Williams Bustos, MS, ACSM EP-C

I'm a fitness expert with a master's degree in exercise science and certifications in exercise physiology, yoga, sports nutrition, sports conditioning, behavioral change, and youth fitness. I've written professionally in the field for more than 10 years, with bylines in Men's Journal, VerywellFit, Runner's World, Health, LiveStrong, Onnit, Bodybuilding.com, and Thrillist. I'm also the author of the internationally-published book, Partner Workouts, published by DK Books. In addition to writing about health and fitness, I worked as a professor of exercise science for three years.
Shot of a senior couple warming up before a run outside

It Takes Two: How To Motivate Your Partner To Exercise Together

Talk about #relationshipgoals! Psychology and fitness experts say encouraging your partner's wellness can be a powerful way to show your love and get healthier... as well as closer.

6 Stretching Exercises to Balance Your Walking Routine

Even if your walking routine doesn't leave you feeling sore or tight, you still need...

4 Frozen Shoulder Exercises to Help Boost Your Mobility

Frozen shoulder can be painful, but with regular exercises you can see improvements faster.
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5 Foot Stretchers That May Help Foot and Leg Pain

Foot stretching devices can be used for pain and stiffness in the plantar fascia, Achilles...

Should You Use a Back Stretcher? What Experts Say

Back stretching devices aren't just a form of modern snake oil—they really can help improve...

Have a Crick in Your Neck? Why It Happens and How to Fix It

That sudden shooting neck pain that stops you in your tracks? It's probably a crick...

What to Do if You Have Neck Pain on the Right Side

A holistic approach to this type of neck pain is your best bet for easing...
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Banish Neck Pain With These 5 Simple Stretches

You can help relieve stress, tension, and pain in your neck with these simple neck...
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Get More Flexible With This 10-Minute, Full-Body Stretch Routine

This full-body stretch routine can be done dynamically or statically for a warm-up before a...
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4 Glute Stretches That Help Ease Tightness and Prevent Pain

If you're experiencing pain in your lower body, you may need to spend more time...
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4 Tennis Elbow Stretches That May Help Relieve Pain

When you feel pain from your elbow to your wrist, you may be dealing with...
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Protect Your Groin With 4 Easy Stretches

You rely on your groin muscles all day, every day. Prevent injuries, ease aches, and...
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4 Trapezius Stretches That Experts Recommend

Ease up tension in your neck, shoulders, and back with these trapezius stretches to maintain...
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4 Hip Flexor Stretches That Relieve Pain and Tightness

If you spend most of your day sitting, use these expert-recommended hip flexor stretches to...
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How to Do a Couch Stretch to Relieve Tight Hips

If you spend your days sitting (like most people), the couch stretch can help ease...
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How to Do a Cobra Stretch for Better Back Flexibility

Strengthen your arms, shoulders, and back as you stretch out your spine with the beginner-friendly...
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How to Do a Cat-Cow Stretch to Help Your Back and Prevent Pain

Work on total spine mobility with the cat-cow stretch, a super-easy yoga pose. Learn how...
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How to Do a Figure 4 Stretch to Relieve Tight Hips

When your glutes and hips feel tight, the hip-opening Figure 4 stretch will give you...
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How to Do a Pigeon Stretch to Relieve Tight Hips

The pigeon stretch targets your hips to relieve tension and improve flexibility. Here's how to...
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How to Do a Frog Stretch Correctly—and Safely

When your hips and low back are feeling tight, try adding this frog stretch—or a...
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4 Deltoid Stretches for Shoulder Pain and Tightness

Workouts, desk jobs, poor posture—these can all lead to tight deltoids. Try these stretches to...
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Got a Tight Neck? Here’s How to Do a Levator Scapulae Stretch

If you're constantly dealing with stress headaches, a tight levator scapulae might be to blame....
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4 Stretches That Help Your Rotator Cuff

Even if you're not an athlete, your shoulder's rotator cuff may be overworked and under-stretched....
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4 Forearm Stretches That Can Help Prevent Wrist Pain and Problems

When your forearms are feeling tight or irritated, try these forearm stretches to ease your...
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4 Triceps Stretches That Really Benefit Your Upper Body

Triceps stretches can help prevent more serious problems, like muscles imbalances and triceps tendinitis. Try...