Walking is considered one of the best ways to maintain your fitness and stay active throughout the day. Yet, most people don’t know how to walk properly. Some have bad posture, while others fail to engage their core or forget to breathe when walking at a faster pace. Something as simple as walking can become a daunting task. When done the wrong way, it may lead to postural problems, back pain, sore feet, and even injuries.
Learn the right way to walk with these tips:
Keep Your Back Straight
When you walk, your spine should be straight and your abs tight. Do not slouch or look down. Maintaining good posture reduces stress on your spine and muscles while giving your brain a breath of fresh air. It also helps decrease the amount of wear and tear on your joints, which helps prevent overuse injuries.
Engage Your Core
Keep your core engaged to prevent your pelvis from shifting from side to side. Your abdominal muscles play a key role in walking, running, bending, and other daily activities. If you don’t use them, they will become weaker and increase your risk of injury.
Swing Your Arms
Swing your arms naturally when walking. Keep your elbows close to your sides. Bend them at a 90-degree angle while swinging back and forth from your shoulders. This will set the pace of your walk and improve your balance. The faster you walk, the faster you should swing your arms.
Land on Your Heels
Your heels should be the first part of your feet to hit the ground. Keep your toes up as your leg swings forward. Engage your toes to propel you. At least one of your feet should be on the pavement at all times. Wear walking shoes or athletic footwear, especially if you have knee pain, muscle pulls, or plantar fasciitis.
