Here's an easy stretch that feels great after an upper-body workout -- or any time your shoulders and back feel tight. Remember to keep your hips raised for maximum benefit.

1 Begin on all fours on a padded, level surface. Place your hands under your shoulders with your feet and knees hip-width apart.

2 Raise your heels and point your toes to the floor. Slowly bend your right elbow and place your right forearm on the floor under you. Reach your left arm forward as far as you can. Keep your hips raised directly above your knees (don't sit back). Now press the left palm of your hand into the floor as you increase the stretch in the left side of your back, shoulder and chest. Hold this position for two seconds. Come back to all fours 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.