An important component of fitness is flexibility, especially for your leg, back and hip muscles. Here's a stretch that targets all three areas in one simple move.

1 Sit on the floor with your left leg straight in front of you. Bend your right leg, moving your foot up to press against your left inner knee. Inhale, sit tall and reach your arms overhead, your palms facing inward. On an exhale, bend forward at your hips, maintaining a straight spine, and place your hands on the floor. To engage the front of your leg, think of lifting your left kneecap up to your thigh. This will help stretch the back of your thigh. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds, release and repeat on the other side.

2 For a more advanced version, try to stretch deeper into this pose and reach around your left foot's toes with both hands. Bend at your elbows and move the front of your torso lower to your leg. Be sure to keep your chin tucked in slightly to elongate the back of your neck. Don't round your back to get lower, rather maintain a long straight spine and go only as low as possible without curling your spine. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

This article originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times in the "Good Form" feature of the Health Section. "Good Form" is updated with a new Karen Voight article each Monday.