7 Facts about Your Body to Jumpstart a New Walking Habit
It is no secret that walking does your body good and not just for your heart and muscles. Researchers found that the foot’s interaction with the ground during walking helps to increase the supply of blood to the brain. As a rule of thumb: the better your blood circulates, the more oxygen and energy there is to get you through the day. That’s why a 20-30 minute morning stroll may leave you feeling more energized, clear-headed, and relaxed.
Some people who have knee joint issues may be worried that walking will cause extra problems to their joints. However, on the contrary, studies have shown that walking sends more blood and nutrients to your knee joints. When done correctly, walking can help you strengthen your muscles and help you move without damaging your bones further. So, before you take your next stroll, here are several facts about your body that you need to know:
1. Your feet give you stability and balance.
Your feet perform an amazing function of absorbing shock so that the rest of your body is not aggravated as you walk and they grip so that you don’t fall. Also, if you tend to have poor balance, the correct posture, such as is taught in Natural Walking, may help improve the abilities of your feet.
2. A person weighs 30% more when walking than standing.
An average day of walking (8,000 to 10,000 steps a day) brings a force equal to several hundred tonnes to bear on the feet. Imagine the pressure we give to our joints when we are not walking correctly. Imagine also the muscle we could have gained if we were to walk correctly by using the right muscles.
3. One-quarter of human bones are in the legs.
Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and a network of more than 100 tendons, muscles, and ligaments. When these bones are out of alignment, so is the whole body. Severe cases of skeletal misalignments, such as scoliosis, can deplete the body’s natural nutritional resources and damage the major organs.
4. Feet have 250,000 sweat glands.
I know what you’re thinking… “Easy Detox”. Sweating has long been associated with heavy metal detox. When active, our feet can produce four to six ounces of sweat a day, sometimes more. So, add this simple exercise to your detox program. Even better, a brisk walk for an hour can burn up to 300 calories. So, when complemented with a sensible diet, walking can turn into a weight loss program. But, of course, consistency is also an important key.
5. Poor-fitting shoes are the cause of many foot problems.
Shoes should be long and wide enough to fit your feet, and the insoles should be firm enough to support your skeletal system. Yes, it is not only a matter of size. A growing body of evidence shows that soft-cushioned insoles tend to pamper the misalignment of our skeletal system because we are relying on wobbly support for an extended period. So, if you are trying to find the right fit of shoes for your feet, try out a new pair of shoes for 30 mins to 1 hour to feel how supportive the insoles are. Then, try them in the afternoon or evening when your feet have already expanded from a whole day of activities. However, if you already have a joint or bone problem, please consult your doctor for the right shoes that support your feet and body.
6. We have been using our bodies incorrectly
“Wait, what?”
Yes, you read that correctly. Most of the problems we have in our body are caused by using our body incorrectly. Using our body incorrectly inhibits its natural ability to heal and rejuvenate. Our lifestyle and the way we operate our bodies suppress this ability and create blockages; what we eat, how we move, how we sleep, etc.
7. Natural Walking helps your body muscles to engage naturally.
When we are standing in the correct Natural Walking posture, our feet are positioned pointing straightforward and parallel at the width of our hips. We let go of all the tensions in our body so we are naturally supported by our feet in a relaxed, upright posture. When done correctly, the muscles will engage naturally. You will feel gentle shifts in your muscle fiber as your muscles align. Practicing natural walking daily for 45 mins – 1 hr will help us get used to our natural muscle engagement and eventually, balanced with good nutrition, your body will become firmer and your posture aligned as it’s supposed to be.
How to get started?
Pick your trail
The great thing about walking is that you can walk anywhere, indoors or outdoors. It doesn’t matter. Just make sure that the trail suits your abilities. For example, if you have joint problems, don’t force yourself to walk on a rocky or steep path. Be careful with the path you choose.
Pack light, love your spine
I have a good friend who always loves to be extra prepared. So she will pack extra things into her backpack resulting in a heavy carry-on that hurts her back. While it is good to always be prepared, it is not good to have back pain. So, bring only the things you need and make sure you are using a bag that is posture friendly.
Safety first
If you are walking near traffic, use brightly-colored clothes or a reflective vest so that drivers can easily see you. If you are walking outdoors or in a public space, make sure you are carrying your ID, a little cash or a credit card and your phone with you in case you need it for an emergency. Don’t forget to let your family or friends know when and where you are going.
Hey buddy, do you want to walk?
Having a healthy habit is awesome. Sharing it is fantastic! Walk with your partner, your kids, friends or dogs. If you’re doing it with your favorite buddy, the chance you will stick to the habit is higher.
Walk Naturally
Say no more. One of the kindest things you can do to your body is to use it naturally. Natural Walking happens to be one of the ways. Natural Walking works to remove the blockages in our body and increase blood and oxygen circulation by stimulating the meridians and reflexology points, thereby restoring our body’s natural healing ability. If you want to discover more about the revolutionary benefits of Natural Walking go to www.natural-walking.com.
Written by:
Arnie Banuarti