Cool-down stretches are a great way to bring your body back to resting without stopping too suddenly.

Think of it as closing all your programs before shutting down your computer rather than doing a forced shutdown or coming to a slow stop in the car rather than slamming on the brakes.

Coming to a sudden stop might not hurt things if you do it sporadically, but after time you might find things are breaking down faster than they are supposed to.

The same can be said for your body; without proper maintenance, you might find increased pain and injury.

Stretching after your workout, be it weightlifting, cardio, or walking around the block, can not only increase these benefits but will help you:

• Maintain mobility and movement
• Maintain muscle lengthening
• Decrease risk of injury
• Reduce soreness and muscle tightness

Are you ready to learn how to make your walks even more enjoyable and beneficial? Check out the video below for our favorite post-walk stretches!

Make sure you are taking the time for nice long stretches and slow movements. The longer you maintain the stretch, the more benefit you will see, but aim for at least one minute.

1) Front foot elevated hamstring stretch: straight leg and spine, pull belly button down the leg, feel free to unlock the knee to take the stretch out of the calf and into the hamstring.

2) Standing hip flexor stretch: split stance, hip tuck, and make sure there is no rounding of the spine.

3) Calf stretch: heel flat on the ground, drive your hips into the wall/floor to get that stretch into your calf and Achilles tendon.

4) Seated figure 4 stretch: start with a tall spine and stretch to your level - if you need more, you can press deeper to get a good stretch in the glutes.

5) Spinal stretch: this will help with your posture, especially after a long walk when your back muscles may be tired.

Taking a few minutes after a walk to do some, or all, of these stretches will help your body to recover quicker and make you feel better not just after a walk but in your day-to-day life!

Interested in learning a complete workout program that not only tackles how to exercise without injury but also helps you to lose weight, tone up, and boost energy?

Check out our 28-Day Kickstart Program, where you will learn the exact exercises you need to get you to your goals.

In this program, you will get:

• Info on how to prevent morning stiffness
• 2-3 personal training sessions weekly to teach you the exact exercises you need to get results
• A simple meal plan
• 1-on-1 success coaching to help guide you as you work to change your diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits

If you want to set yourself up for success, click here to learn more and take back control of your health and fitness today!

Mint Condition Fitness empowers people to take control of their fitness and fully enjoy the life they have built.