Are You Walking The Right Way!

 

 

 

Are You Walking The Right Way!

 

 

What we do on a regular basis is something we don't pay much attention to. But those are the same things which tend to be critical for our healthy living. Like we keep breathing to survive, but we hardly pay any attention to the way we do it. The right technique of breathing helps you have a healthy mind and body. Likewise did you ever notice the way you walk and the impact it has on you on a daily basis. Most of the times we don't do it. Did you know that walking can improve your balance, lift your mood and prevent serious illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Walking burns anywhere between 120 and 178 calories in half an hour, if you are walking at about 3.5 mph.

 

Walking is a great way to stay healthy, with studies indicating its effectiveness in lowering the risk of stroke and heart disease by as much as 54 and 35 percent. But as you grow older, you can form bad walking habits such as slouching, dragging your feet and twisting your body, all of which can lead to back pain, discomfort and injury. It may seem simple, but a majority of people forget to practice this proper stepping method. The right way of walking will mean that you push off with your toes and land on your heels. Use this “heel to toe” walk rather than an “all-at-once” flat-footed walk and you should see an increase in how fast you can walk too. This will prevent injury to your foot and ankle, and help you keep your balance and stability.

 

The posture also makes a lot of difference. For this make sure your head is up and looking forward. Keep your back straight by slightly tightening your stomach muscles. Your neck, shoulders and back should be relaxed. Swing your arms naturally with a slight bend. Your hips should shift slightly when you walk, but never fully rotate to the side. It is tempting to look down as you walk, watching your feet as they stride forward. If you look up and forward, with your chin held parallel to the ground, your body will follow with the right posture.4 If you are walking on uneven ground, this can be difficult and even dangerous.

 

Walking right does not mean you have to keep those arms hinged to your sides. Feel free to let them swing as you walk that is the natural motion your body makes as you walk. Allow them to bend a bit at the elbow, making a 90-degree angle to your body. Your hands should be nice and relaxed. Your legs should be doing most of the work, your arms are simply helping. So, don’t swing so vigorously that your arms are swinging from side to side and up to your head. It’s okay to let your arms swing slightly across your body if that is where they naturally want to go.

 

..Divya