How to Do Stork Walks (for Better Balance and Hip Strength)

Stork walks are a super simple way to work your hips and core — which are critical to better balance. And better balance is the key to everything from athletic performance to a long, healthy, and independent life.

Plus, stork walks might just be more challenging than you think!

You can use stork walks as a warm-up before a workout. Or, try the stork walks at your office as a break from sitting at your desk. It’s a great way to wake up stiff and achy hips. The only risk will be that someone might think you’re preparing for a role as Frankenstein’s monster!

How to Do Stork Walks:

1. Raise your arms straight out in front to shoulder level with your palms facing down.
2. Place an arch in your lower back and relax your belly.
3. Lift one leg up to ninety degrees (hip height), then step forward with that leg.
4. Then, raise the other leg and repeat.
5. Keep your ankle flexed at ninety degrees (don’t relax the foot).
6. Keep your knee and toes in line with your hip (not flared out to the sides).
7. Don’t round your upper body forward to help lift your knee. Make your hips do the work.
8. Start with 1 set of 20 reps and work up to 3 sets over time.

Maryann Berry

At the age of 27, Maryann Berry suffered from chronic hip pain that left her in a wheelchair, even after consulting with over twenty healthcare professionals and undergoing invasive hip surgery. Today, Maryann is fully recovered and has been wheelchair free for years.

Maryann, who is currently certified as a Posture Alignment Specialist, created Realign as a way to empower others to take responsibility for their own health the same way she did. Maryann works with people one-on-one both digitally and in-person at her studio in San Diego, California.

To learn more about Maryann's programs, visit Realign Therapy. Maryann is also the founder of The Posture Workout a revolutionary online form of Posture Alignment Therapy that makes this method easily accessible for everyone.