This is where most people focus their attention.

This is also where most people make a fundamental mistake that places the body at risk of training injuries and of longer term problems.

Strengthening requires an increase in physical activity.

If muscle function is compromised, and if movement is governed by numerous patterns of compensation, the body is already under strain as it moves.

Stepping up the amount of movement just increases the amount of strain.

Please, always build firm foundations for fitness by first addressing problems at the base of the Easy 123 triangle.

When you are ready to start strengthening, begin with postural muscles that make joints strong and stable.

Only after you have achieved some improvement there should you turn your attention to strengthening the 'locomotor' muscles that produce movement.

Strengthen muscles by progressively increasing the challenge of activity.

Remember to include rest days. Strengthening happens as a result of exercise, but it happens during the time of rest.

As a general rule, you can achieve a good balance by exercising for five days a week and resting for two days (not consecutive) each week.

The best place to start.

The most basic requirement of muscle health is that muscles should be able to complete their full cycle of pull-release.

Abnormal tension must be released before other interventions can be truly effective.

Exercises can help, but this is an area where you are most likely to need professional help in the form of bodywork therapy.

Think here in terms of another group of three:

• exercises to activate muscles that have become unresponsive

• exercises to improve proprioception

• exercises to train better habits of posture and movement.

These exercises do not need to be complex, but they will require concentration and mental effort.

You can use some general guidelines to make progress.

However, a professionally devised plan that draws on the most up-to-date knowledge of current best practice will save a lot of time and effort.