Walking Mistakes: 5 Most Common Walking Mistakes and How to Fix Them | – Times of India

One of the easiest ways to keep our body in shape is walking. It doesn’t require any special equipment or a gym membership. gave US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that adults should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for optimal health. This can be a 30-minute walk a day, 5 days a week, or whatever works best for a person’s schedule.
However, keep in mind that even this simple exercise can be less beneficial or even dangerous if done incorrectly. These are some of the most common mistakes people make when walking, with easy fixes.

Walking while engaged

Using your phone or watching videos while walking can compromise your posture, reduce awareness of your surroundings, and increase your risk of accidents. A study done in 2018 highlights how multitasking during walking affects coordination and reduces the overall benefits of activity. It shows that using a smartphone while walking significantly reduces balance and alters a person’s walking style, which ultimately has negative effects on the body.
Fix: Commit to a distraction-free walk. Put the phone away and pay attention to posture and surroundings to ensure safety and maximize benefits.

Wearing the wrong shoes

Wearing the wrong shoes can result in blisters, foot pain, and even chronic problems. Your joints can be strained if your shoes don’t have enough arch or cushioning to absorb the impact. It is always recommended and varied. study They also say that investing in shoes that are comfortable and supportive for your walking needs will ultimately benefit your health.
Fix: Choose shoes that fit well, provide adequate support, and suit your walking style.

Neglecting hydration

Walking, especially in hot weather or for long periods of time, can lead to dehydration, which will certainly affect a person’s stamina and recovery in any case. According to one study Published, when the body is severely dehydrated, it struggles to maintain balance during challenges such as illness, exercise, or exposure to extreme environments, which can negatively impact health and physical function. . Lack of hydration reduces blood flow and can make walking feel like a chore you definitely don’t want to do anymore.
The Fix: Drink water before and after your run. You can always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

Incorrect walking form

Dragging or bending the feet while walking reduces performance and can lead to muscle strain or fatigue. Walking with poor form — such as leaning forward, not engaging your core, or failing to properly rotate your feet — can also strain your back and knees.
Correct: Maintain an upright posture with shoulders relaxed and back. Keep your gaze forward, engage your core, and ensure smooth heel-to-toe movement.

Ignore currency

yours Walking posture Directly affects your joints and muscles. A disordered gait pattern can cause discomfort and limit the effectiveness of your walk. Incorrect posture also increases the chances of persistent pain in the neck or lower back.
Correct: Maintain proper posture by standing tall, chest open, and arms swinging naturally to your sides.