We do it daily, but rarely think about how our body maneuvers while we walk. The careful coordination of steps learned early in our toddler years becomes automated. But when an illness or accident forces us to relearn the process of walking with good posture, the difficulty of the task becomes apparent. A careful balance between muscle usage and coordination allows us to walk properly.
Natural Design
The natural design of the body makes walking effortless, according to neurologist Walter George Bradley. When we stand using correct posture, walking becomes a series of leans and falls, with each step catching the fall to balance the next step. The abdominal and gluteus muscles support the pelvis and all work together to establish posture as we walk.
Effects of Poor Posture
Poor walking posture occurs when the body becomes unaligned or injured. Typical posture faults include arching the back, thrusting the head forward and letting the arms dangle loosely. These issues cause your body’s center of gravity to change, making movements less efficient. Good walking posture becomes difficult, if not impossible. Labored walking and pain are potential side effects.
Techniques for Good Posture
Maintaining a solid center of gravity leads to correct walking posture, making the movement nearly effortless. Signs of correct walking posture include a slight head bob as the body’s center of gravity shifts during each step, according to the Dartmouth Medical School.
Muscle Maintenance
To consciously maintain proper walking posture, examine your muscles. The stomach and pelvic muscle should be tight and strong while walking. Abdominal exercises can strengthen this region. The curvature of the spine requires support when sitting. To help maintain good posture while sitting, you can use a lumbar support pillow, suggests the Cleveland Clinic.