Stretching is a great way to get blood flowing to your muscles and help you get the best workout possible. Plus, stretching has the added benefit of helping you avoid injury.
Before you stretch, you want to make sure you have warmed up your muscles. Walk for about 5 minutes, then stop to stretch. To really get the most out of your walk, repeat your stretches again toward the end of your route. Ideally you will walk for 5 minutes, stretch, walk for 20–50 minutes, stretch again and then walk for 5 more minute to cool down.
When you stretch, start out easy. If you feel any pain, stop. Breathe regularly when you stretch, do not hold your breath or bounce. As you get used to the stretches you can increase your repetitions and/or intensity for a better work out. Here are some great stretches for walkers of all kinds.