Articles written by Devin Sherrington about health, wellness and fitness in regular column called Fit to Be Tried in the Daily News:

The Daily News - Fit to Be Tried by Devin Sherrington

You're sore. So sore you can hardly move. It might have felt like a great workout in the gym, but the next day is a killer. Don't worry, there are ways to keep your workouts from getting the best of you the next day.

Stretching is the answer. It sound simple to do but most people never bother. My wife was complaining just the other day because her chest hurt so much. I asked her if she stretched and she shook her head. Sad thing is she didn't have to be so sore.

I've listed a few simple stretches you can do at home so your next workout won't make you as sore. Remember before you do stretch make sure you warm up for at least five to eight minutes. This will ensure your muscles are warm and ready to be stretched. The first stretch I'll talk about is for your calves and hamstrings, which is the back of your leg. Stand arms length away from a wall with your feet should be shoulder width apart. Move one foot back so it is at least one and a half feet behind the other. Lean on the wall. Your front foot should be pointing forward, with a bend in the knee and your heel flat on the floor. The back foot should be raised on its toe. Push back from the wall making the heel on your back foot touch the floor. You'll feel the stretch in your calf and up the back of your leg. Hold your ten seconds and then relax. Repeat this three times on each leg. The next stretch is for the front of your thigh. Place on hand on a wall or chair for support. Raise one heel up toward your buttocks and grasp hold of your foot with one hand.

Slowly pull your heel towards your buttock. Make sure to keep both knees together, having a slight bend in your supporting leg. You will feel the stretch in the front of your thigh. Hold for ten seconds then relax. Repeat three times.

The next stretch is for chest and shoulders. Stand upright, with both feet facing forward about shoulder width apart. Place your hands on your hips. Keep your head forward in a netural position.

Place both hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward. Your elbows should be out from you sides. Stick out your chest slightly. Exhale slowly while gently pulling the elbows back as if you are trying to make them touch. You'll feel the stretch in your chest and shoulders. Hold for ten seconds then relax. Repeat three times.

The last stretch is for your back. Stand in front of an open door. Grasp the door jam with one hand, allowing your shoulder to come forward. With your arm straight and shoulder forward pull on the door jam slowly.