Walking is a type of exercise that seems to be quite simple. You don’t have to go to a gym, lift heavy weights or use other equipment. Although it may seem simple, many people tend to make mistakes while walking. Poor running habits can negatively impact your comfort, health and overall running experience. So before you tie your shoes and get ready to run, you need to know what bad running habits you need to give up.
Running errors and how to fix them
It may surprise you, but there are some walking mistakes that people often make.
1. Inappropriate footwear
The wrong footwear can cause discomfort and even damage, says fitness expert Aminder Singh of Team Aminder. Make sure your shoes fit properly, are comfortable, and have enough width in the front to allow your toes to spread naturally. This way you are less likely to get blisters and other foot problems.
2. Bad attitude
To walk effectively, the correct posture must always be maintained. Maintain a straight posture and avoid slouching. This encourages better breathing, relieves back tension and improves balance in general.
3. Look down
When walking, many people tend to stare at their feet or mobile devices, which can strain your neck and back and make you less aware of your surroundings. Instead, keep your eyes straight ahead to keep your posture upright and aware of your surroundings.
4. Insufficient arm swing
A coordinated arm swing is part of good running form. You need to move your arms against your legs. This coordinated arm swing improves your running efficiency and also helps you maintain your balance and rhythm.
5. Inadequate water intake
Even while performing a basic exercise like walking, it is important to be hydrated. If you become dehydrated, you may experience fatigue and muscle cramps. Carry a water bottle with you and drink from it regularly to maintain good hydration.
Wearing comfortable clothing is also crucial to avoid chafing and overheating while walking.
Benefits of walking correctly
There are several benefits of walking well and these can help improve your overall health and well-being.
1.Injury prevention
When walking properly, the risk of injury is significantly reduced, the expert tells Health Shots. Your chances of tripping and falling are reduced when you walk correctly because your body is balanced and stable. This reduces the risk of sprains, strains and other ailments caused by poor running form.
2. Collaborative conservation
When you walk correctly, you distribute pressure evenly across your joints and protect them from unnecessary strain. Your joints can be protected from long-term deterioration, which can lead to conditions such as osteoarthritis, by avoiding excessive impact on them.
3. Ankle protection
Paying attention to your step and foot placement is an important part of effective walking. This prevents your ankles from rolling or twisting, which can hurt and cause long-term problems. The risk of ankle injuries is significantly reduced by proper foot alignment and controlled movement.
4. Knee alignment
Your knees will be perfectly aligned with your feet and hips if you walk with proper form. This alignment reduces pressure on your knee joints and lowers the risk of patellofemoral pain syndrome, which can be caused by poor running form, says Singh.
5. Lower back health
Walking with good posture reduces pressure on your lower back and supports the natural curvature of the spine. This can help deal with current lower back problems and prevent new problems.
So, learn good walking habits to reap the benefits.