Whether outside or on the treadmill, the choices you make around walking play an extremely important role in your goals
While the number of steps that you need to take may vary according to your needs and requirements, just adding movement to your day can guarantee some extra health benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia and heart issues. According to experts, just being motivated and walking regularly is not good enough; you need to know the proper technique - the “right” way to walk.
While many people are pros at walking—whether outside or on the treadmill—the choices you make around walking—from your posture to how to move your legs and feet—play an extremely important role in your goals—from weight loss to overall health.
Things you need to focus on while walking
Whether you are standing or walking, posture is extremely important for a wonderful walking experience. However, it does not mean that you need to walk in an erect position at all times. According to experts, you need to maintain good posture by also maintaining your natural curves around your neck and back.
A few ways you can do it include:
Stretch and stand tall
Make sure to keep stretching and stand tall to have a straight posture.
Keep your head up
Never slouch, as it leads to stress on the back, causing pain and inflammation.
Look front
While walking, always make sure to keep your eyes forward.
Straighten your shoulders
It is important to understand that your shoulders should be kept straight, back and down, while your entire body should be kept relaxed and moving freely.
Keep your abs tight
Always align your ribs with your pelvis area to avoid straining your lower half.
How to pay attention to your feet
You need to put your feet on the ground first, followed by the ball of your foot, and then the toes—walking in a rolling motion. It not only helps with your posture but also distributes the stress your lower body takes on while walking. If you slam your entire foot down on the ground with a thud, it will impact your knees, hips, and ankles at a greater risk of injury.
How many steps you take in a minute also matters. If you take longer steps, it will stress your joints more, while shorter steps will be easier on your body.
According to experts, your shoes make a lot of difference, as you may be tempted to walk in whatever you are wearing but opt for good quality running or walking shoes that are lighter and have cushioned heels. Do not wear overly supportive running shoes, as they can push your feet outward and cause you to put most of your weight on the outside of your feet, causing injuries and pain.
To prevent yourself from tripping, falling, or getting injured, make sure to walk when and where there is proper light. Pay attention to your surroundings and, if necessary, bring someone along to help mitigate risks.
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