Why Stretching After You Walk Is Important And 3 Walking Stretches To Try

Denise Austin
by Denise Austin | 
 | 
Workouts
Have you joined my new 2021 2-Week Walking Challenge? It's free, fun and soooo good for you - join today, to lose weight, blast fat and calories, and get in a GREAT mood!! And to help prepare for your walks, check out my 3 Walking Stretches To Try! In addition to getting in a daily, 30-minute walk, stretching is important - it can help to:

  • Improve flexibility. Even if you seem stiff at first, if you make it a priority to stretch daily, you will become more flexible and less stiff over time.
  • Improve your posture. Stretching elongates your muscles so you stand straighter, making you look taller, leaner and more confidant!
  • Prevent injury. Muscles that are stretched can make movement easier, which can help prevent injury.

This video shows you 3 stretches to do after a walk:

  1. A lower back stretch to help release tension in your lower back and lower tummy.
  2. My favorite thigh stretch for your quadriceps and hip flexors - a great way to stretch the front of your thighs and keep your lower half healthy during this 2-Week Walking Challenge!
  3. A stretch for the neck muscles to help keep your upper back feeling good!

This video is a sneak peek of what my DeniseAustin.com members get in the Walking Challenge!

While anyone has access to the free content, only members get exclusive recovery workouts, to keep legs, hips lower back and other areas of the body healthy, flexible and youthful - perfect to do after you walk! Members also get two recipes each week, such as a Roasted Veggie Protein Bowl, Antioxidant Super Food Smoothie, and more! PLUS treadmill tips and my 30-minute Walk with Me Workout to do when the weather is inclement or you want to walk inside... and so much more! Start your free trial now to access the members-only content in the Walking Challenge, plus all my other fun challenges:

10-Week Whole Body Plan - 10 weeks of customizable workouts, an eating plan you choose, weekly inspirations and more!

Natural Body Bootcamp - 10-minute workouts will help you get a fit, toned body... naturally!

14-Day Summer Slimmer - a popular challenge to do any time of year, such as when you have a big event coming up... like a reunion, wedding or vacation!

Total Body Toning - get toned from head to toe with workouts, stretches, recipes and more

7-Day Yoga Refresh - a wonderful way to recharge, reconnect with your body, lengthen and lean your body!

And more! Everything you need to get and stay fit and healthy, in the privacy of your own home, at any time that is convenient for you!!! So start your free trial and discover all the different ways you can get fit and healthy - with me!

Let's get fitter, together - inside and out,

Denise

 

Transcript: 3 Walking Stretches To Try

Okay. I just came back from my walk. I wanna show you three of my favorite stretches after your walk. The first one releases tension from the lower back. So grab your hands in front, pull them forward, and now tuck under your hips. Round your back like a see and feel the lower back stretch. Eel It. Stretch, stretch, or feel. So good. Inhale, exhale. Tummy is tight. Go from side. Hold it. Feel it in the lower tummy, in the lower back, and to the other side like a c. Pull in your tummy. Tighten up through the abdominal wall and slowly roll up that ones for the low back. Now here's my favorite thigh stretch. This really helps stretch out the quadriceps and the hip flexors. Try to balance this. Hold this for a few seconds. Hold it, hold it. That's it. Work up to about 20 seconds on each leg.

Excellent. And of course, always do both sides. Thinking about good posture. Hold. That's it. Beautiful. You're now stretching the front of your thighs as well as your hip flexors. So great after your walk. That's it. And my next favorite one is clasping your hands behind you. Open up your chest and now slowly come forward, stretching out your legs, drop your neck and let your head just relax the neck muscles. Look, hang like a rag doll. Just relax. Hold that stretch. Your knees are slightly bent and you're stretching the hamstrings in the buttocks and then slowly come all the way up. Feel that stretch. So hold this one for about 20 seconds and then hold this one for 20 seconds. Those are all my favorite stretches after my walk.