Austin Is a Great Place for a Walk
By Tom Herrin
If someone is looking for an opportunity to get in a little more exercise, a great way to begin is to walk. A great place to start is Austin. The two are a natural combination. The hilly terrain can provide just the setting for a mixed challenge. Walking up and down the hills can give people the chance to tax themselves as they walk yet have the break afforded by the sporadic places in between. If walking is what they decide to do, developing themselves as good walkers can make the experience an even better one. It may only require a minimal amount of thought regarding technique.
Posture Always Counts
When people walk, they need to hold their bodies as correct as possible. Bad habits with their posture when walking can result in them feeling overly tired and achy. Holding the body as upright as possible is the best way to start. This helps to improve breathing and avoid feeling sore and achy from slouching or slumping. It is suggested that they imagine a string pulling them upward. Holding the head and chin relatively level to the ground helps as well. Another thing to do is try to focus on a point about 20 feet ahead. This can help them in their forward movement in a fairly straight line.
The Way the Feet Make Contact Is important
When people walk, it is best to walk toe to heel. That is, their step should hit the ground with the heel first. The foot should maintain good contact as it rolls to the toe. At the end of that step, the toe should push off as they are moving to the next step. This is soon followed by the other foot striking the ground in the same way. For the most part, the more contact that feet have with the ground, the better the walking stride.
A Good Walk Should Be Motivating
When we walk, if we are able to do it correctly, we should not feel that we have been run over by a truck. The experience should be one in which we enjoy it and want to do it more. If our technique is good, we will be less likely to tire out and more likely to be able to walk longer distances without feeling sore and achy. A walk should be fun. I try to get out and go for walks as much as possible. Even if I can't do something else, I know I can walk and get some pretty good exercise.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.