Walking is everyone's sneakiest work-out. Stepping one foot in front of the other to move your body from one position to another is not only good for
Walking is everyone's sneakiest work-out. Stepping one foot in front of the other to move your body from one position to another is not only good for you on a physical and cardiological level, but it is also a trainer-approved mode of exercise — meaning you can do it practically anytime, anywhere (yes, even between your kitchen and living room). That said, while walking is something that feels pretty second nature, for good walking type there are certain rules to bear in mind.
There are minor (but important) changes to make to your walking style, according to Harvard Health, in order to get the most successful walk that is easier on your body, too. Start scrolling for info about how to make the most of your move.
6 Rules On Walking In A Good Form
1. Standing Tall
In proper walking form, one of the most important factors is also the easiest to ignore. A lot of people are bringing their hunched-over computer posture to their walks, according to Harvard Health, which in fact makes it harder for you to breathe (and can lead to back pain). Be sure to stretch your spine "as if you were lifted from your head's crown," says Harvard Health, adding you can position your thumbs on your lower ribs and fingertips to test your hips for structure. "Note how the gap between them rises when you stand up straight." The trick is to maintain the length when you travel.
2. Always Keep Your Eyes Up
If your eyes are pointing down, you could place additional stress on your upper back and neck, says Harvard Health Your tip? Bring your eyes in front of you about 10 to 20 feet which will still allow you to see any obstacles ahead while preventing discomfort in your upper body.
3. Bring Your Shoulders To Relax
Relaxing your shoulders back and down, rather than rounding your ears forward or upwards, is necessary. "Talk about keeping your shoulders away from your ears to minimize stress in the upper body and allowing a freer swing in the neck," Harvard Health writes.
4. Swing Arms From Your Shoulders
It's easy to keep tension and stress in your shoulders while walking, which can find their way down your arms. Harvard Health advises you to let your arms swing freely from your knees, not from your wrists, and back and forth — not around your body or over your chest.
5. Maintain Pelvis Position
The location of your pelvis should be neutral for proper shape, and your heart should be slightly engaged. You shouldn't tuck your tailbone under, your belly shouldn't stick out and your back shouldn't be over-arched, according to Harvard Fitness.
6. Step Very Lightly
As far as the actual steps go, you can move the feet from heel to toe, not fall flat-footed. "Don't stretch your leg far out in front of you — this increases the pressure on your knees, and in turn slows you down," says Fitness. Seek to maintain a smooth move for the slightest chance of injury.
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