Walking is an everyday activity that many of us take for granted, but good posture while walking can make all the difference in preventing injury and protecting joint health. Physiotherapists explain how small tweaks to your posture and stride can make walking easier, safer, and more effective.
Maintaining a neutral spine and standing tall and upright helps keep joints in their natural positions, supporting joint health and optimizing biomechanics. Poor posture, on the other hand, can lead to misalignment of joints, reduced flexibility, and increased risk of injury.
So, how can you improve your walking posture? Here are some simple tips:
Engage Your Core: Pulling your tummy back just to neutral helps engage your abs and support your spine.
Keep Your Head Up: Walking tall keeps your head up, engaging the posterior chain muscles in your neck and middle back, which support your spine and allow your arms to swing naturally.
Pull Shoulder Blades Downward: Relaxed shoulders help prevent neck and upper shoulder pain by pulling your shoulder blades down toward your waistband using your lower trap muscles.
Additionally, consider these tips:
Take Shorter Strides: Landing heel to toe helps absorb body weight and counter ground reaction forces, reducing the force needed to slow down each step.
Swing Your Arms: Synchronized arm movement creates a natural counterbalance that helps keep your body stable and propels you forward.
To assess your posture, use a mirror to check your major joint areas, such as shoulders, hips, and lower back. Take both front and side views to ensure proper alignment.
By incorporating these simple tweaks into your walking routine, you can improve your posture, reduce the risk of injury, and enjoy a more comfortable and efficient walk.
Source: https://www.realsimple.com/right-way-to-walk-11754591