10 walking mistakes that could be holding you back from better progress
Source: wikiHow
Walking is one of the simplest ways to achieve effective results in order to stay fit and to boost your overall health. But there are some tips and tricks that should be kept in mind to achieve better results by avoiding errors that can be made by us.
Even today, people make small mistakes that minimize the effect of walking and may not lead them to achieve the desired results. Thus, it may also cause a sense of discomfort in them and may even lead to severe injury as well. From skipping warmup in the morning to taking wide steps, here are the 10 common mistakes that one should avoid in order to get the desired results and benefits from walking.
10
walking mistakes
that you should avoid
Ignoring warm up and cool down steps
During a walk, skipping your warm-up and cool-down might seem harmless but it is a blunder that can lead to stiffness, reduced performance and even injury.
The fact that warming up helps to increase your heart rate, loosen joints and prepare your muscles for activity. You should do a few minutes of light stretching or slow-paced walking for more benefits. On the other hand, cooling down helps the body to ease back to its resting state, reduces muscle soreness and supports recovery at a fast pace.
Ignoring these steps and jumping on walk or stopping directly may feel time-efficient at first but it can lead to severe results after a long run.
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Walking with motionless arms
Walking with motionless arms might seem like a small detail but it can have a huge effect on your walking efficiency and posture. These hand movements control your natural momentum and can affect your body's balance. Swinging arms in a relaxed and controlled motion helps to propel you forward, engages your upper body and supports a smoother and more effective stride. Thus, its another advantage is that it also encourages better posture and burns more calories.
To get desired results from walking, let your arms swing naturally at your sides in rhythm with your steps.
Taking long steps
When we cover long steps, it might feel like we are covering more ground but it can actually affect your walking efficiency and increase the risk of injury. It can put extra strain on your joints especially your knees and hips and can lead to muscle fatigue or a sense of discomfort. It also disrupts your natural rhythm that makes your walk less smooth and more tiring than usual.
Instead, focus on shorter and quicker steps that keep your feet landing beneath your body.
This helps in maintaining a better balance, reduces impact and boosts your overall walking performance.
Regularly focusing downward
Regularly focusing downward while walking can have a negative affect on your posture and balance. Constantly looking at the ground can cause neck and shoulders to hunch forward which can lead to tension, discomfort and even long-term posture problems.
It also limits your awareness of your surroundings and increases the risk of trips or falls. To walk more confidently and comfortably, keep your gaze forward for about 10 to 20 feet ahead with your head up and shoulders at a relaxed position.
This simple adjustment helps to promote a better alignment, improves breathing and helps in maintaining steady and safe steps throughout your walk.
Poor back posture
Poor back posture while walking can lead to discomfort, muscle strain and decreased walking efficiency.
Slouching or rounding your shoulders can lead to unnecessary stress on your spine and muscles which can cause pain in your neck, shoulders and lower back over a period of time. It also affects your balance and breathing by making your walk less effective and you may feel more tiring. To avoid these issues, always aim to keep your back straight, shoulders relaxed and chest open.
Good posture supports better movement, reduces injury risk and helps you get the most out of every step.
Engaging in light walking
Engaging in light walking might feel comfortable but if your pace is too slow then you are not challenging your body enough to gain the full health benefits from the walk. Walking at a very low intensity can limit calorie burn, cardiovascular improvements and muscle strengthening. Though gentle walks are great for relaxation or recovery days but to improve fitness and stamina, it is important to pick up your pace and walk briskly enough to raise your heart rate.
Finding the right intensity helps you make every step count and accelerates progress toward your walking goals.
Skipping proper hydration
Skipping proper hydration during your walks can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness and decreased performance. When you are even walking at a slow pace, your body loses fluids through sweat and breathing especially in warm weather. Failing to drink enough water before, during and after your walk can affect your energy levels and may lead to slow recovery.
Staying well-hydrated helps to regulate the body temperature, maintain joint lubrication and keep your muscles working efficiently.
To achieve results from your walking routine you have to make drinking water a regular part of your preparation and cool-down process.
Continuing to walk despite pain
Continuing to walk despite pain can do more harm than good. Ignoring discomfort or injury while walking will affect the problem in a negative way which can lead to longer recovery time or chronic issues.
Pain is your body's way of telling that something is not right, so pushing through it affects damaging muscles, joints or ligaments. It is important to listen to your body and rest when needed. Taking a break or modifying your routine can help to prevent severe injuries and keep you on track for long-term walking success.
Using a mobile device while walking
Using a mobile device while walking can distract you from your surroundings and affect your natural walking rhythm.
Constantly looking at your phone may cause you to walk slower, take shorter or uneven steps and may even lead to losing proper posture. It also increases the risk of trips, falls or collisions with obstacles or other people. Staying focused helps you to maintain good form, improves your safety and allows you to fully enjoy the benefits of your walk.
Try to limit phone use to breaks or stop walking briefly if you need to check messages or navigate.
Wearing inappropriate footwear
Wearing inappropriate footwear can seriously impact your walking experience and can even lead to a sense of discomfort or injury. Shoes that lack proper support, cushioning or fit can cause blisters, foot pain and strain on your joints. Ill-fitting shoes may also affect your walking posture and gait that increases the risk of falls or long-term issues like knee or back pain. To protect your feet and improve your walking performance, choose shoes specifically designed for walking or running with good arch support and a comfortable fit.
The right footwear helps you walk longer, safer and more comfortably.
Also read: 10,000 steps a day: How 21 days of simple walking changed a fitness blogger's life; here's why you should try it too
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