Going on a Walk? Here Are 7 Dynamic Stretches to Do First, Physical Therapists Say

If you go for a walk by putting on your shoes and walking out the door, it's time to rethink your routine.

Physical therapist Chanha Hwang, PT, DPT, CHC, founder and owner of Fatherly Health and Wellness LLC, told POPSUGAR that "many people often skip stretching before walking because they consider walking to be a light or minimal intensity workout."

"The truth is that stretching before walking allows muscles to warm up, increasing range of motion and flexibility." Instead of simply holding a stretch for 30 seconds or a minute, experts recommend dynamic stretching, which involves more active movement.

Dynamic stretching is intended to warm up your muscles rather than simply stretch them out, which can cause injury if done incorrectly.

"Imagine our muscles as a rubber band," said Impact Physical Therapy owner Dylann Craig, PT.

"If you stretch them while they are cold, they are less pliable, but when they are heated up, they are much more elastic," said Helene Darmanin, PT, DPT, CSCS, founder of Mama Bear Physical Therapy. "Dynamic stretching improves blood flow to your muscles, helps to ease movement in your joints, and is an all-around better way to prepare your body for dynamic movements like walking."

Take a few minutes to warm up and loosen your muscles before hitting the roads, trails, treadmill, or wherever you're getting your steps today.

Check out these seven dynamic stretches that physical therapists recommend including in your pre-walk routine to avoid injury and pain.

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Physical therapists recommend starting with these 7 dynamic stretches." at https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/best-dynamic-stretches-to-do-before-walking-48243959