Retro Walking for Orthopedic Purposes

When it comes to exercise, most people are familiar with jogging, walking, and running. However, there are other forms of exercise that can offer great benefits to the body. One of these exercises is backward walking, also known as retro walking. In recent years, backward walking exercises have been gaining popularity, and for good reason. 

Improved Balance and Coordination

Walking backward requires more concentration and balance than walking forward. It engages different muscles, particularly the hamstrings, and glutes, and improves coordination. Studies have shown that backward walking exercises can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, especially in older adults. By incorporating backward walking exercises into your workout routine, you can further develop your ability to maintain balance and reduce the chance of suffering from injuries caused by falls.

Reduced Joint Impact

Walking backward also has the benefit of reducing joint impact. When walking forward, the impact of your footsteps is absorbed by your heels, which can put a strain on your knees and ankles. However, when walking backward, the impact is absorbed by the balls of your feet, which reduces the strain on your joints. This makes backward walking exercises a great option for people with joint pain or those recovering from an injury. By reducing the impact on your joints, you can exercise without causing further damage to your joints, and even promote healing.

Increased Calorie Burn

Backward walking exercises can also help you burn more calories than walking or running forward. This is because walking backward requires more effort and engages different muscles. Studies have found that walking backward at a moderate pace can burn up to 20% more calories than walking forward at the same pace. This means that incorporating backward walking exercises into your workout routine can help you achieve your weight loss goals faster, and give you a more effective workout session.

Improved Posture and Back Health

Backward walking exercises can also improve your posture and back health. As you walk backward, you engage your core muscles, which help to stabilize your spine. This can improve your posture and reduce the risk of experiencing back pain. For people who spend a lot of time sitting or have a sedentary lifestyle, backward walking exercises can be an effective way to maintain good back health.

Enhanced Mental Health

Lastly, backward walking exercises can have a positive impact on your mental health. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and backward walking is no exception. By focusing on the movement of your body and your surroundings while walking backward, you can clear your mind and find relief from the stresses of life.

Backward walking exercises are a great way to add variety to your workout routine while also reaping several health benefits. Improved balance and coordination, reduced joint impact, increased calorie burn, improved posture, and back health, and enhanced mental health are just a few of the benefits of adding backward walking exercises to your workout routine. The next time you go to the gym or to your local park, do not be scared to look weird and try backward walking now that you are aware of all its benefits.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119