Even Walking May Require Technique
By Tom Herrin
It seems as if everything people participate in today has a list of things they should do and things they should not. Many coaches and instructors make a pretty good living providing ways to improve style or technique so that each individual can experience greater success in their efforts. Walking is really no exception. Even though most people have walked from a very young age, their natural progression in doing so may not have helped them to develop the best practices. Many times, once bad habits are formed, they are integrated into their style of walking. In some cases, these habits make walking a considerable burden. It is fortunate that there are a few things that may be done to help make a difference.
Hold Your Head Up
For most kinds of physical activities, holding the body more upright and erect can make a considerable difference. As for walking, this can help a person to breathe better and avoid some aches that accompany bad walking posture. It has been said that imagining a string pulling them upward is a good idea. Another thing is to try to keep the chin relatively level or parallel to the ground. Some of this may be done by focusing on a point about 20 feet ahead as they walk.
Develop a Good Stride
The way people strike the ground with their feet is important. Anyone who has watched or ridden horses is familiar with the effects of the gait. A poor gait can give you a beating. When a person puts their foot down, it is best to have the heel touch, then roll the foot across the ground, followed by pushing off with the toes. This is what propels a person along. The more time they are in contact with the ground, the better. It is also better to concentrate on the length that their feet are behind them.
Have a Pleasant Walk
Anytime we do something we enjoy, we tend to become more motivated to do more. Walking is no exception to that. At one time, walking was tiring and a little discouraging. As I looked for ways to make it work more effectively, I found that I looked forward to each opportunity to get out and go. When you can take some of the aches out of it, walking can be fun, and you may find that you can walk for long periods of time without tiring.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goleta, Calif.