by Richard Max Detrano

Created on: April 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 02, 2009

Correct posture is essential to walking. Once you learn a few tiny tricks you will be able to walk long distances without ever getting tired.

Start with these ten steps:

1. Posture. Stand up straight. Tuck in your tush. Roll your shoulders forward and pull them down without rounding your back. Stretch your neck, tucking your chin as though a string were attached to the crown of your head pulling yourself upward.

2. Prepare your knees. Unlock your knees. Make sure your knees and feet are in line, neither pointed in or out. If your knees want to come together, this is a problem.

3. Prepare your feet. Turn your heel slightly inward and curl your toes. This will strengthen your arch. Be careful not to cramp your foot. You should feel a slight tension and rise in the arch.

4. Choose good shoes. Always wear quality shoes with a pronounced arch and adequate cushion for the heel. Many shoes on the market today are made with removable insoles. You may choose to replace them. Custom foot beds can be molded to the shape of your foot. Your body will thank you.

5. Begin to walk. Try to imagine you are walking on a line instead of parallel tracks. One foot placed in front of the other. Leaning your body slightly forward and walking in line allows your momentum to move you effortlessly ahead. This tiny trick helps you walk long distances without ever getting tired.

Arms at your side, lean slightly forward, place your right foot in front of you. Keep your left heel on the ground as long as possible. Bring your left foot in an easy gate after the right foot.

You should not feel any pounding and shifting.

6. Moving your arms. Move your arms in coordination with your legs. Your right arm is forward when your right foot is back. It helps your balance, your posture, and your momentum.

7. Look straight ahead. Keep your eyes focused in front of you, not on the ground. Head pulled up, chin tucked. If you are on uneven or dangerous terrain, of course, you must watch your step.

8. Do not bounce, swagger or accentuate your hips.

At first this may feel unnatural. Your body must unlearn its habits. Over a very short time it will seem natural and liberating.

9. Do not copy other walkers.

People have different ways of walking. Some are cultural. Some are stylized with awkward hip and shoulder movements. Some are dictated by fashion. This has nothing to do with efficient and healthy walking. It can also be damaging over extended periods of time.

10. Practice conscious walking.

Once you learn proper posture and the correct way to walk, you have found one of the healthiest and natural things in life.

You can look forward to walking for the rest of your life if you learn to do it correctly.

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