Though it sounds strange, the Elephant Walk is a vigorous exercise with a funny name. This workout mimics elephants’ beautiful movement with a series of steps. It may seem frivolous, but the Elephant Walk has many physical and mental health advantages. Let’s examine five health benefits of this workout.
So what is the Elephant Walk?
A dynamic stretch, the elephant walk incorporates movement. Start in a forward fold with your hands on the floor or elevated surface and walk backwards with straight legs. This deeply stretches hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
How to do the elephant walk:
- Starting with a flat back hinge, bend at the hips and soften your knees. Put your palms or fingertips flat on the ground.
- Keep your heels flat and your back straight while you “walk” your hands backwards one at a time. Imagine imitating an elephant’s trunk.
- Your hamstrings and calves will stretch as you walk your hands back. Hold for a second with a straight leg after each “step”.
- Switch directions and walk your hands forward after a specified number of repetitions.
5 Health Benefits:
Increased Mobility and Flexibility:
The Elephant Walk requires muscle flexibility and range of motion due to its forward, backward, and lateral movements. Regularly doing this exercise improves hip, shoulder, and spine mobility and flexibility. Flexibility minimizes injury risk and increases daily movement efficiency and comfort.
Core Strength and Posture:
The elephant walk uses the abdominals, obliques, and lower back to maintain stability and control. Core strength improves postural alignment and spinal support, reducing back discomfort and improving posture. A strong core is necessary for good movement mechanics and musculoskeletal balance.
Better Balance and Stability:
Balance on one leg while doing elephant walk movements tests proprioception and equilibrium. This exercise develops ankle, knee, and hip stabilizing muscles, increasing balance and stability. Better balance decreases falls and injuries and improves sports performance and functional movement patterns.
Preventing Injuries:
Tight muscles tear and strain more easily. Regular elephant walks can loosen your hamstrings and posterior chain muscles, minimizing injury risk.
Increased Blood Flow:
The dynamic elephant walk increases leg and lower back blood flow. Improved circulation can supply more nutrients to muscles, boosting recuperation and performance.
