Walk backward to better health

This TikTok trend checks out! ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Wisp]( In a Nutshell We already know that walking is a great exercise that can support your overall well-being. But a recent TikTok trend suggests doing it in a new direction — backward, to be exact. Why? How?! Keep scrolling (forward) to learn more. • [18 foods that pack more potassium than a banana]( • [Improve your eye health with these exercises and tips]( • [10 medical conditions that mimic symptoms of anxiety]( Walk this way, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota August 21, 2024 • 3 min read Advertisement [Find Treatment for UTIs with Wisp]( Skip the in-person visit. Use HEALTHLINE for 15% off the entire site and delivery in all 50 states (exclusions apply). [GET STARTED [→]]( [Find Treatment for UTIs with Wisp]( [You might want to start walking backward]( what’s got us buzzing [You might want to start walking backward]( Old news: Walking offers health benefits, like burning calories, boosting heart health, and lifting your mood. New news: [Walking backward]( (as a workout!) is great for you, too.️ “Studies have shown improvements in balance, greater muscle activation in the legs, less impact on the knees, improved gait and stability, and even better endurance after consistent training with backward walking,” Healthline senior fitness editor and certified personal trainer Saralyn Ward told me. She explains that most of these benefits are the result of engaging different muscles in your lower limbs so they’re more balanced overall.️ Because it’s so unnatural, walking backward is kind of like a puzzle for your brain and your body. “Walking backward stretches muscles that typically get very tight and strengthens muscles that may be underused when walking forward,” Saralyn adds.️ Exercising this way can also relieve [chronic lower back pain]( and help people [post-stroke]( or with neurological conditions improve their ability to walk. ️ Keep in mind it’s not meant to be used as a means to get from point A to point B — in this context, it’s more of a short-term workout (with potential long-term health perks) to do in a safe place. Saralyn recommends starting on level ground outside, like in a yard or on a track, before trying a treadmill. “Until you get used to the biomechanics of walking backward, a treadmill can be a little risky,” she warns. You could also try out this movement by doing your lunges forward and then backward! Whichever direction you take, be sure to start slow, have a buddy assist you, and be patient as your body adjusts to this new movement. ️ [more reasons to walk backward]( Great finds UT-bye! Presented by [Wisp]( [Wisp UTI Antibiotics]( [Wisp UTI Antibiotics]( The best way to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI) is with antibiotics. If you're looking for same-day care, Wisp can help you find treatment fast. To get started, simply fill out an online medical intake form and a healthcare professional will review your request to help you decide the right path for your symptoms. Use the code HEALTHLINE for 15% off — plus, get free delivery and convenient service in all 50 states (exclusions apply). [ORDER NOW]( Every product we recommend has gone through either [Healthline's]( or Optum Store’s vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 😁 [Want a brighter smile? Try these teeth whitening pens!]( Here’s a list of our top 10 picks. 🦶 [Tips for treating swollen feet.]( These are especially helpful if you live with diabetes! 🤱 [Postpartum depression symptoms, causes, and risk factors.]( In women *and* men. 💥 [5 strengthening exercises for lower back pain.]( Excuse me while I go try these … Thanks for reading! I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday with a topic that’s near and dear to my heart, which may divide us all. 👀 Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by TikTok. 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