Exercise and other kinds of physical activity can go far in keeping your body strong and healthy, able to fight disease and ward off injuries from pulling, pushing and lifting. A healthy and fit body also generally recovers faster from injury and pain.

In general, there are three basic types of exercise: strengthening. stretching and aerobic. Here's a brief description:

• Strengthening exercises focus on the abdominal and back muscles because these play a key role in supporting your spine and maintaining good posture.
• Stretching exercises target the soft tissues in your legs and surrounding your spine. These muscles provide the flexibility you need to move and get around.
• Aerobic exercises foster a strong and healthy heart and lung function. These kinds of exercises generally involve large muscle groups.

Other kinds of mild exercises include those that help you correct or maintain good posture (with a focus on the neck and back); ease tension from prolongued periods of sitting.