Walking doesn’t require any special equipment or gym memberships and best of all, it’s completely free.
For most of us, walking is something we do automatically. There is no conscious effort required! But what happens if we stop walking on auto-pilot and start challenging our brains and bodies by walking backward? Not only does this change of direction demand more of our attention, but it may also bring additional health benefits.
Walking is more complicated than many of us realise. Remaining upright requires coordination between our visual, and sensations linked to movements such as twisting, spinning or moving fast and awareness of where our bodies are in space. When we walk backward, it takes longer for our brains to process the extra demands of coordinating these systems.
However, this increased level of challenge brings with it increased health benefits. The most well-studied benefits of walking backward are improvement in
- Stability and balance
- Forward gait
- Balance for healthy adults and those with knee osteoarthritis
- Muscular endurance for the muscles of the lower legs while reducing the burden on our joints.
Walking backward is also beneficial for people with chronic lower back pain and in patients with neurological conditions or following chronic stroke. A few of the mental benefits include:
- Enhanced sense of body awareness
- Improves overall mood
- Helps with sleep cycles
- Motivates you to step outside your comfort zone
- Sharpens your thinking skills and enhances cognitive control
To experience these benefits and more, Challenge yourself today! Join the D’vine yoga family and under their guidance take the first steps on Friday May 26th at Jogger’s Park, Althino
D’vine Yoga, Panjim led by Sravan Reddy and his team of enthusiastic teachers believes in the healing power of yoga. Contact : 7719883963 / 9137645573
