Although sport walking may appear to be a sport that requires less mobility than other sports, the truth is that this athletics discipline, where artistic impression (walking style) is evaluated in addition to performance, requires a certain level of flexibility. Insufficient flexibility can negatively affect not only performance, technique, but also the athlete's overall health. Mobilization and stretching are an important part of preparation for any sporting activity, including this Olympic discipline. This type of exercise helps to improve joint flexibility and mobility, muscle flexibility, reduce the risk of injury and, last but not least, to maintain walking technique. Unfortunately, even today, full of studies and research, people often underestimate this type of exercise, if not even reject it. If we do not realize the importance of mobilization exercises, they may seem unnecessary and the motivation to use them may be low.

Both professional and amateur walkers should always start their training by mobilizing their joints and muscles to prepare their body for the load. The most important muscle groups for walkers include the hamstrings, abdominal muscles, back muscles, and calf muscles. These muscle groups also need to be regularly stretched after training to reduce the risk of injury. But stretching also contributes to better performance during training and competition. Relaxed muscles can be used more efficiently, leading to a faster walking pace.

Overall, mobilization and stretching are an important part of preparing for any athletic activity, including race walking. We have prepared for you several basic mobilization and stretching exercises for the already mentioned problem parts, which should become a routine before training.

The author of the article and photos is Josef Smola and Jaroslav Mojžíš, fitness trainers of professional athletes with more than 13 years of experience