When done correctly, walking is an effective, low-impact exercise that helps keep your body healthy without having to exercise. However, small mistakes, such as not engaging the correct muscles or taking steps that are too long, can harm your health.
Even if you don’t realize it at the time, a few hours later, you may experience pain as a result of inappropriate walking habits.
We shares some of the most common mistakes many of us make while walking and why it’s so important to stop making them.
Your Dog Is Too Far In Front Of You
A study of dog walkers found that people who walk their dogs while pulling on a leash are more likely to suffer injuries and fractures. This is especially true for older dog walkers, who are at higher risk of injury.
As the dog pulls on your outstretched arm, it can pull you off balance and put pressure on your shoulders, elbows, and wrists.
You may have sprained hands, as well as ligament injuries in your wrist and elbow. Instead, it is recommended that you walk your dog close to you on your left when on a leash.
You Lean Too Far Forward Or Backward
It is not uncommon for us to forget to maintain good posture and this can greatly affect our health. Leaning forward or backward puts pressure on the hips that can lead to long-term problems, such as back and hip pain.
It is advisable to walk upright, with the chin parallel to the ground and the shoulders relaxed and back. This will help align your body and will not put any unnecessary extra weight on your hips and lower back.
You Walk Flat-footed Or On The Balls Of Your Feet
When we take a step, we must roll the foot from the heel to the toe before lifting it up again. However, if you are someone who does not roll, but hits the ground or tends to walk on the soles of your feet, you may feel the uncomfortable consequences.
Walking with flat feet can cause pain in the hips, knees, and ankles, as they absorb a lot of impact and weight. In addition, walking on your toes can cause tendon (Achilles heel) and calf problems, as they are under constant stress.
You Push Forward With Your Front Leg
It is important to pay attention to your muscles when you walk and make sure you are applying them correctly.
Pushing with the front leg is unhealthy because we put a lot of pressure on the pelvis and lower back with every step. Over time, this habit can cause pain and injury.
Instead, you should push with your buttocks and back leg. This will naturally propel you forward without straining or straining your legs.
You Don’t Engage Your Core
This may be something we often forget, but it is very important to support our weight and keep ourselves balanced. By contracting your stomach muscles while walking, you keep them strong, which in turn prevents lower back pain and improves your posture.
Forgetting to do this means that you are not using all of your muscles properly and it can affect your posture.
Your Shoulders Are High
This habit can be painful and it is best to change it if possible. Walking with your shoulders tense and high will likely cause pain in your neck and shoulders as your muscles become immobilized.
Instead, try to relax your shoulders and pull them back so that your back is naturally curved. However, be sure not to force your shoulders back or push your chest and buttocks, as this can cause muscle pain.
How often do you buy new shoes? Which of these mistakes does he make while walking?
