Benefits of Walking Backwards
Despite numerous studies that have proven the benefits of walking on public health, the goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day may seem a bit difficult for many.
Walking Backwards as a Health Strategy
In order to benefit from walking without taking thousands of steps a day, Dr. Michael Mosley, host of the Just One Thing podcast, says that walking backwards (reverse walking) instead of forwards for just a few minutes can have some surprising health benefits.
Ancient Practice with Modern Health Benefits
Dr. Mosley follows this “weird” practice (walking backwards), to help treat the “tingles” he experiences in his lower back and knees. This is a technique that has been used in physical therapy for decades to rehabilitate lower leg injuries. Walking backwards can improve your gait and mobility, and there is an amazing amount of good scientific studies showing how walking backwards can strengthen your memory and problem-solving skills. It is believed to have originated in China, and there, it is popular to this day. They even say, ‘100 steps backward is equal to 1,000 steps forward.’
Benefits of Walking Backwards
1. Burn More Calories
According to Mosley, walking backwards uses more energy — about 30 percent, according to studies — so it helps the body burn slightly more calories than walking forwards. Backward walking uses muscles that are less active while walking forward, such as the calf, as well as the quadriceps, which is the large muscle in the front of the thigh.
2. Enhances Short-Term Memory
Reverse walking can also boost short-term memory. Walking backwards activates different parts of the brain compared to walking forwards, which helps mobilize brain resources, including the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in planning, decision-making, and memory.
3. Reduces Back Pain and Improves Balance
One of the main benefits of inversion walking is the different use of major muscle groups, which can help with back pain and flexibility. The practice can also improve stability and balance, especially in older adults.
Source: The Sun
