Menu
I’m sure you know the best way to walk. Forward, with gusto, when you want to use walking as a form of exercise. As if you are late for an appointment. Maybe add in a little arm swinging right? Well, yes and no.
First of all, everyone knows that walking is one of the best forms of exercise. It’s relatively easy, doesn’t cost a dime and you can do it anywhere! But is there a best way to walk? I think there is, and I am so excited to tell you all about it!
Before I dive into the details of the best way to walk, it’s important to know why you are walking in the first place.
According to The Wall Street Journal, walking matters now more than ever as it benefits your heart and brain and just makes us feel good. Even though gyms have been open for a while, some people still may have reservations about returning, so it’s comforting to know that your walking shoes and the sidewalk outside your door will always be waiting for you – no matter what.
Lately, I’ve come to appreciate walking more than ever before and try to incorporate accumulating those steps into my day as much as possible. For example, I try and leave my car in the driveway and manage my errands around my neighbourhood on foot. This tactic compliments my daily workouts and gives me a chance to take a break from my laptop.
But then, I discovered the best way to walk!
Here it comes. The icing on the cake. Are you ready for this? The way I now walk, every time my feet hit the pavement, sidewalk, or dirt terrain is in all different directions! It’s called Multi-Dimensional Walking and I have to thank @Bordencommunications for introducing me to it.
I walk backward, sideways, and even skip.
Not all at once, of course. When I walk, I start out heading in one direction, going forward. Then, to kick things up a notch I start sashaying sideways. I also walk backward. What does it feel like? It’s very different. It’s strenuous and uncomfortable because my body isn’t used to it. Sashaying and walking backward slows me down and I have to concentrate. The purpose of this multi-dimensional walking is that it is getting my brain to think differently and is therefore strengthening my mind. I am also preventing injuries and overuse by using muscles that I would not normally use if I was going for a regular linear walk.
But what will people think when I pass them? Oh, honey, it’s so much fun! You should see their faces when I sashay by! They must think I’m bonkers, (big surprise there!) but to tell you the truth, I don’t mind at all. I hope they question what I’m doing and learn that multi-dimensional walking would be a good idea for them to do as well.
When I go for a run, I reserve the last five minutes for skipping. Yes, that’s right – there I am, skipping in the middle of the street. It pushes me through the last couple of blocks and forces me to use different muscles again. It’s a release of any tension that I may have left in me and it’s also a celebration that I have completed my exercise for the day. Skipping instantly puts the biggest smile on my face and elevates my mood.
You can also add skipping as an exercise snack, a way to fit in exercise throughout your day, as explained by @bordencommunications here and from my own experience here.
Running or walking in one direction is great – but mixing it up with multi-directional walking and skipping is even better. It’s more productive for my body, my mind, and my mental health, and very entertaining for all that witness to see!
I’m so grateful to be able to have the opportunity to write about what I’m passionate about and what I think will serve others. If you would like me to write for a product or service you represent or for your own company, please be in touch.