Retro walking: One step backwards, two steps forward!
Benefits of unfollowing suit:
1) It
improves cardiovascular function:
Backward
walking can be extremely strenuous because of its difficulty but it definitely
treats the body better that its forward walking twin. It puts greater strain on
your cardiovascular system thus producing higher heart rate. A 100 steps
backward walking is equivalent to 1,000 steps of conventional walking; which
means that you can strengthen your heart and at the same time burn calories
quicker than forward walking. That extra level of difficulty will summon your
extra reserve of energy burning extra calories in return.
2)
It’s easy on the leg muscles and joints:
Retro
walking strengthens the heart, lungs, muscles, joints, hips, legs and trunk,
with minimal stress on any given part of the body. Over time, our leg muscles
get used to walking only forward that works out the hamstrings and glutes but
retro walking employs and exercises all the unused and by now, weak muscles
such as the quadriceps and calves. Retro walking or exercising is also an ideal
way to repair joint pain and knee injuries as it is gentler on the knees. There
is lesser displacement of the body backward because you punch in a lesser
percentage of your body weight; as a result the range of motion of the knee
joint is reduced and they experience less trauma and the walker; less discomfort.
It is highly recommended for elderly people and those with arthritis-related
problems for it is can be an excellent slow paced, low impact workout that is
absolutely gentle on the knees.
3) It
exercises your body and mind:
When
we walk backwards, we obviously cannot see what is happening behind our back so
with regular practice our senses automatically build a defense mechanism
against potential dangers. This gradually improves balance, peripheral vision
and hearing skills. Retro walking is more of a neurobic activity; a physical
activity that unofficially invites the brain’s enthusiastic participation.
Neurobic activities create a nexus of brand new neural connections in your
brain that help you stay mentally sharp, polish your memory and dodge the unwelcome
and debilitating guests of later life such as the Alzheimer’s.
Yes, we know we hit the right chord and we know you already are
in love with this brand new tune. So before you rewind and play there are a few things you would have to
bear in mind:
Take
particular care while including this new regime into your walking routine. No
matter how exited you are it is always best to begin
slow. You can gradually gallop at a pelt once your senses get
acclimatized to the newly acquired skills. Ensure your safety by practicing it
in a tripping-free, obstacle-free, pothole-free zone.
If you
chose the treadmill then start even slower, a mile per hour should work just fine and be ever
ready to hit the emergency stop. As you grow pro, you can increase the speed or
inclination. DO NOT PERFORM THESE STUNTS IF YOU HAVE BALANCE OR CO-ORDINATION
DIFFICULTIES. Also, try not holding on to the handrails. It completely disarrays your body
posture and nullifies the wonderful plusses you would otherwise benefit from.
Another
safe option is to have a friend-cum henchman who can walk (forward) or jog
(forward) beside you and keep a watch on your behalf.
But if
luck doesn’t favour, keep looking over your shoulder intermittently to see if someone is in
your way. And despite all safeguarding if you still bump into someone who
marvels at what could possibly be wrong with you, quickly break into an item
number and yell, “Lets dance!”
Not
such a bad idea, in ‘retro’spect.
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