Forget shuffling feet and hunched shoulders! We're about to transform your daily stroll into a symphony of graceful strides and powerful posture. This guide unlocks the secrets of walking with perfect form – a form that isn't just about aesthetics, but about unlocking the hidden potential of every step. Imagine gliding effortlessly, shedding aches and pains like old socks, and boosting your health with every confident stride. Read on to learn how!

What Is Proper Walking Form? Expert Tips on Posture, Foot Placement, and Shoe Choice.

Good news: It takes far fewer than 10,000 steps a day to reap the health benefits of walking, according to a handful of recent studies.

Though the exact number of steps varies—anywhere from 4,000 steps a day to 8,000 steps a few times a week—it’s clear that adding more movement to your day can pretty much guarantee some extra health benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease-related death, and all-cause mortality.

If that news has you motivated to lace up your sneakers and hit the treadmill (or pavement), there’s one thing you might want to consider first: proper technique—or the “right” way to walk.

Though many people have been doing it since they were mere months old, the choices you make around walking—from your gait to what you put on your feet—can play a significant role in your health and well-being. Even where you walk can influence how you feel.

Here, experts break down strategies for making the most of walking—and avoiding injury along the way.

Focus on Proper Posture and Alignment

Whether you’re sitting, standing, or walking, posture is always important—but it doesn’t necessarily mean standing completely straight at all times; posture means maintaining the natural curves in your neck and back.

Some tips for maintaining proper posture and alignment while walking include:

• Stand tall. Pretend a string is pulling you up from the crown of your head, recommends Rusty Sarhan, CPT, an RRCA-certified running coach.
• Keep your head up, and don’t let it protrude in front of your body, which can stress your back or neck, said physical therapist Natalya Tronik, DPT.
• Focus on the path in front of you, keeping your eyes forward.
• Keep your shoulders back and down, and keep your arms relaxed and moving freely at your sides.
• Keep your abs tight and your pelvis neutral. Make sure your rib cage is aligned with your pelvis, and that your hips, knees, ankles, and second toe are also all in alignment, Tronik suggested. This can help you avoid straining your lower half.

Not only does this proper posture and alignment help you walk easier and prevent injury, it can also help you breathe and move more efficiently, Sarhan said.

Because it’s difficult to know what you look like while walking, Tronik recommends taking a picture of yourself in the mirror—or better yet, a video of yourself in movement—and making adjustments, if necessary.

Ditch the shuffle and master the art of walking with perfect form. Our expert PTs will analyze your movements and provide you with personalized tips and exercises to improve your posture, stride, and overall efficiency. Contact us today at (561) 278-6055 and welcome to a healthier you! Follow us on Instagram @millerphysicaltherapy for more tips and advice.

Reference: [https://www.health.com/proper-walking-form-7643444]