Lesser-Known Facts About Backward Walking People Should Know
Radhika Hitkari | Dec 28, 2025, 18:29 IST
backward walking
Image credit : freepik
In this article, we will discuss some of the lesser-known and surprising facts about backward walking that people might not know about, which can be effective in improving health. Also, we will look into some of the mistakes that people should avoid while walking backwards to avoid falling or getting injured.
Taking a walk or a stroll is a straightforward task, but it has multiple benefits that can help people maintain their health. Walking is one of those basic things that people can do to keep themselves fit to avoid different types of health conditions. Backward walking might seem new, but it's a practice that has roots in ancient traditions, which helps improve both body and mind.
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Helps improve balance: Backward walking helps in enhancing the overall stability and balance of the body as it activates the neural pathways of the brain and enhances the coordination of the body.
Burns more calories: In comparison to regular forward walking, backward walking is known to be more effective in burning the extra calories of the body, as proven in some studies.
Improves Brain Health: Backward walking can help people in enhancing their brain health, as it improves the cognitive function and leads to better memory in a person.
Provides strength to muscles: Walking backwards can help people to make their muscles stronger and makes them use the muscles that are not very active.
Improves cardiovascular function: Backward walking can help people enhance their cardiovascular function, as it improves the heart rate and also provides a little bit of a workout.
Mistakes to Avoid while Backward Walking
Avoid long steps: This can increase the risk of injuries in people if they are taking long steps while walking backwards. Taking small steps helps people to place their foot properly and enhances coordination.
Incorrect posture: Make sure to keep the posture of the body upright, as slouching or hunching the body while walking can put a strain on the muscles of the neck and back.
Improper footwear: This can cause people to trip or fall while walking, so it's important to wear proper footwear for an effective walk, which can improve the health of the body.
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Facts about backward walking
walking
Image credit : freepik
Helps improve balance: Backward walking helps in enhancing the overall stability and balance of the body as it activates the neural pathways of the brain and enhances the coordination of the body.
Burns more calories: In comparison to regular forward walking, backward walking is known to be more effective in burning the extra calories of the body, as proven in some studies.
Improves Brain Health: Backward walking can help people in enhancing their brain health, as it improves the cognitive function and leads to better memory in a person.
Provides strength to muscles: Walking backwards can help people to make their muscles stronger and makes them use the muscles that are not very active.
Improves cardiovascular function: Backward walking can help people enhance their cardiovascular function, as it improves the heart rate and also provides a little bit of a workout.
Mistakes to Avoid while Backward Walking
Incorrect posture: Make sure to keep the posture of the body upright, as slouching or hunching the body while walking can put a strain on the muscles of the neck and back.
Improper footwear: This can cause people to trip or fall while walking, so it's important to wear proper footwear for an effective walk, which can improve the health of the body.
Discover expert advice and the latest updates in Skin Care, Hair Care, Wellness, Dermatology, and more at Stay Young, a guide to lasting beauty and holistic health.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does 100 steps backwards equal 1000 steps forward?
Walking 100 steps backward is equivalent to 1,000 steps of conventional walking, which means that you can strengthen your heart and at the same time burn calories quicker than forward walking. - Can I lose 5 kg in a month by walking?
You can lose 5 kg in a month by walking if you commit to 60 to 90 minutes of daily walking combined with an 800 to 900 calorie reduction in your diet. - What is the longest time someone has walked backwards?
Plennie Lawrence Wingo was an American man who walked backwards from Santa Monica, California, to Istanbul, Turkey, about 8,000 miles (13,000 km), from April 15, 1931, to October 24, 1932, at the age of 36. - What are the five types of walking?
Five popular types of walking for fitness and health include brisk walking, Nordic walking (with poles), interval walking, incline/hill walking, and Chi walking.