Striding Right

Friday, October 03, 2003

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Walking is simply great exercise — simple to do and great for your health. But if your posture is off or your movement unbalanced, you may be doing more harm than good.

Here are tips for better walking from the October issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

Hold your head high. Keep your chin parallel to the ground and avoid jutting your head forward, which can put strain on your neck.

Keep your neck, shoulders, back and hands relaxed. Hold your shoulders back and down. No hunching or shrugging. Let your arms swing, with a slight bend to each elbow. Avoid clenching your fists.

Gently tighten stomach muscles. Move your navel toward your spine. That keeps the abdominal muscles tight and your back straight.

Tread softly. Roll from heel to toe. Avoid crashing heels to the ground.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Carol Lammers
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511(evenings)
email: newsbureau@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Erik Kaldor, 904-953-2299
Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Anne Tewksbury, 480-301-4368

Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll-free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.

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