What are elephant walk exercises?
Elephant walk is an exercise that stretches the chain of the rear muscles, including the thighs, hamstrings, calves and lower back. To do this, practitioners start by bending forward, touching the ground in front of their toes, then slowly stretch each leg in turn.
According to Aman Puri, fitness expert and CEO of Steadfast Nutrition (India): "This exercise helps strengthen core muscles, improve posture, flexibility and endurance. In particular, it significantly supports the prevention of back pain, neck pain and improves motor control.
Research in the journal Sports Medicine also confirmed that stretching exercises such as Elephant walk can help expand range of motion, increase muscle strength and reduce the risk of injury due to poor posture.
Not everyone is suitable for elephant-style exercises
Although it is a low-impact exercise and suitable for many subjects, experts recommend not to do it arbitrarily, especially for people with musculoskeletal problems.
Forward bends can put pressure on the abdomen and spine, says Dr. Lauren Elson, a physiotherapist at Harvard Medical School. Pregnant women who have suffered injuries to their lower back, hamstrings or groin joints should be cautious and consult a doctor before exercising.
In addition, to ensure effectiveness and safety, practitioners should keep the knees slightly bent, do not repeat excessive movements and can use a support chair if they have difficulty bending.
