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How We Walk May Determine Our Success With It

By Tom Herrin

The ability people have to perform basic tasks is often something that is taken for granted by most.  After all, the majority of individuals usually learn to walk at around the age of 1 year.  Once this happens, the general development from there becomes pretty natural.  Watching other people walk may reveal an obvious difference in the ways this skill can develop as it is left alone to take care of itself.  Some develop what seems to be a highly efficient style while others appear to labor when they walk.  At times, their efforts can appear almost painful.  The consequences of this are sure to be near exhaustion.  The good news is that walking can be improved just like any other skill.

Posture Can Play a Big Role

As with anything else people do that involves activity, having correct posture when walking may be the difference between feeling good about success and feeling tired and worn out simply thinking about it.  A few good practices when walking are:  

  • Hold the body upright so as to improve breathing and prevent aching
  • Keep the head and chin relatively level to the ground
  • Avoid leaning forward or backward
  • Look ahead at a point about 20 feet in front

A Good Stride Is Important

Watching other people as they walk can provide some good perspective on stride.  There are all kinds, but it is easy to see what it takes for others to move themselves forward successfully.  As simple as it appears, being successful at doing it can be a challenge.  Many feel as if they need to reach well ahead in order to move themselves along at a better pace.  The fact is that the real key to propelling oneself is to keep the back foot in contact with the ground longer.  While many may feel that reaching well ahead is the key, the truth is quite different.  The key is so push off more effectively with the back foot.  This moves them along at a good rate.

Walking Should Be Enjoyable

If we are taking up more walking in order to get more exercise, it is critical that we make it enjoyable.  If we improve our technique, we can make the experience better.  When our movements are more productive, we will not be as likely to tire so easily.  We may look forward to our walk.  Once we do this, we can set goals for ourselves that may allow us to make progress.  The trick is to feel more motivated by each walk we take. 

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, N.J.

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