by Casey Clay

Created on: July 16, 2007   Last Updated: April 20, 2008

Walking and running are the biological basis of all human locomotion. This may be a more in depth analysis than most could want, but I believe that proper walking and running mechanics are very important in the world of physical activity. Most people in the world of sport and exercise take the act of walking and running for granted.

Many people see the way in which they walk or run as being "natural." Everyone should know that learning any physical skill takes work. The acts of learning to hit a baseball, learning to dribble a soccer ball, or learning to pass a football are sometimes seen as difficult and complex movements that require hours of practice time to perfect.

Why, then, are the acts of walking and running taken for granted when they are just as complex and difficult to master? Maybe it is because we learn to walk and run from a very young age and because of that people don't stop to analyze the way they walk or run. Many people spend lots of time and money attempting to perfect their golf swing. Here are some free and slightly less time consuming tips on how to improve your walking and running form.

The human body is designed for walking and running. It is the easiest form of locomotion that can be performed. The way in which many people learn to walk and run contradicts the body's natural mechanical aptitude. The overpowering of this natural order of the body is usually caused by bad habits forming during the early stages of neuromuscular learning.

As with any physical activity, these bad habits can be overcome. I know that many people do not care about the intricacies of walking and running movement; but, for those that are experiencing chronic pain and injury or are looking to take their game to the next level, learning proper form may give you the edge you are looking for.

Many people walk and run as a form of exercise and often say, "If running in a deficient manner causes greater energy expenditure, why would I want to change?" There are many reasons you should attempt to achieve better form. The main reason, of course, is injury prevention. Another reason is greater efficiency. The reason efficiency is important is because improper use of muscles causes that individual's muscles to fatigue more quickly.

This leads to that individual being able to work out for a shorter time period. The reason that many people work out is to improve cardiovascular fitness and burn calories. Becoming more efficient in running and walking decreases muscle fatigue

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