Stretches After Walking Can Reduce Soreness and Feel Amazing

Always stretch after a workout. You may want to do some stretches after your warm up, but after your workout is most effective. After gastric sleeve surgery, Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding says to slowly incorporate exercise into your life. Stretching can help ease your body into new routines. When you stretch, move into the position gently, and do not bounce. Hold each stretch for several seconds.  

• Lower back and hamstrings – At the waist, bend forward slowly. Keep knees slightly bent and go only as far as you are comfortable. If you have had lower back issues, try this stretch by lying on your back. Lift one leg at a time up straight and wrap a towel around your foot. Pull the towel toward you and feel the hamstring stretch.
• Quadriceps stretch – Hold something sturdy for support. Bend your right knee and raise your foot toward your buttocks, grasping your foot. Keep the left knee slightly bent and feel the stretch in front of your thigh. Then repeat on the other side.
• Calf stretch – Take a big step forward with one foot, keeping your opposite heel on the ground. Feel the stretch in your calf and hold. Switch sides.
• Lower back stretch – Lie on an exercise mat (never a hard surface) and bring both knees to your chest. Round your lower back, easing into the stretch. Or try these alternative lower back stretches.

Stretch for Success

When you are eager to begin an exercise routine, you may be tempted to skip the warmup and stretch part of the routine. After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, you must be vigilant in your eating and exercises habits. Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding says that taking the time to stretch will make your walking workout more effective, safe and enjoyable. You will soon see the results of your hard work while protecting your muscles from injury.

Would you like to learn more about bariatric surgery, including gastric sleeve? Consult an expert like Dr. Christine Ren-Fielding, NYU Weight Management Program Bariatric Surgeon. Visit the NYU Langone Weight Management Program for more information.