| You bet there are a proper and a wrong way to | | | | tear. The focus is on your hips and thighs. Watch |
| walk. Your form is very important during your | | | | to see if you are waddling which means your hips |
| fitness walking exercise program. It isn't hard to | | | | are moving side to side instead of moving |
| learn the proper technique, but having the proper | | | | forward and back. This can be corrected by using |
| form can save you a lot of aches and pains latter. | | | | your thighs to achieve an unforced walking stride. |
| The primary victim of improper form is the lower | | | | Make sure you control the walking motion and not |
| back and hips. | | | | throw your leg forward which puts a strain on |
| Not many people think about their form while | | | | your lower back. |
| walking. Mostly because they do not understand | | | | Your toes need attention while you walk too. |
| nor under estimate its importance in maintaining a | | | | Aching ankles and knees can result from not |
| good exercise routine. Here is a quick posture | | | | paying attention to how your feet interact in your |
| checklist you can quickly go through while walking: | | | | walk. Heal to toe roll is the proper step. Many |
| Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes. | | | | people forget the toe roll. A full stride is one |
| Head | | | | where your heal touches the ground and then |
| For some reason the vast majority of people will | | | | your movement forward ends with your toes |
| look down at the ground or their feet while | | | | arching upward as your foot leaves the ground. |
| walking. Besides missing all the beautiful scenery | | | | Heal walkers put a lot of stress on their feet, |
| they are placing a strain on their neck and lower | | | | shins and knees. |
| back. Try to keep you chin up and eyes looking | | | | That's an awful lot to be thinking about while you |
| straight ahead. Many fitness experts describe the | | | | walk. But, when you first start out it is important |
| proper position of your head as a sensation of | | | | to make sure you have the proper form and |
| letting it float above your shoulders. | | | | technique to make the exercise more enjoyable. |
| Shoulder | | | | Enjoyable meaning having less aches and pains |
| Have you ever experienced sore shoulders after | | | | after you walk. People naturally tend to stop doing |
| walking or running. It is because you tensed your | | | | what is not enjoyable and hurting because of poor |
| shoulders and let them get into an unnatural | | | | form is not enjoyable. |
| position. Your shoulders should be back. The | | | | As you progress in your walking routine you will |
| tendency is to round them forward and even up | | | | find yourself mentally checking your stride and |
| towards your ears. Keeping your shoulders back | | | | form periodically without making an intentional |
| will help you achieve the floating sensation for | | | | effort. Oh, and don't forget to concentrate on |
| your head and allow your arms to swing easily. | | | | smooth and relaxed breathing. Your breathing will |
| Knees and Toes | | | | get faster with increased intensity which is okay. |
| This really has nothing to do with your knees | | | | Focus on deep and complete breaths. |
| other than saving them from undue wear and | | | | |