Proper walking posture is now the exception rather than the rule. 

While, before, sitting was the posture most prone to slumping because of the activities we do while sitting (i.e. reading), cell phones have now made us a world of hunched over walkers. Take a look next time you are out: people barely looking where they are going, their heads stuck in a forward position and their shoulders rounded. This is a bad position because…

Our chest cavities are closed, making breathing more difficult.
Our spinal curvature is crunched and circulation is stunted.
We are working harder than we should to make basic movements.

And as a result our…

vertebrae will deteriorate
muscles will become strained to breaking points
headaches will develop
and chronic pain will occur. 

Walking posture is one of the four primary postures you will assume in a 24-hour period along with standing, sitting and sleeping. In order to feel our best, we must strive to maintain good posture throughout all activities and walking is no exception. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when walking: they will help prevent pain and make you look more confident. 

Face straight ahead and keep your chin parallel to the ground. Keeping your face forward and your head centered atop the spine is the single most important determinant in good walking posture. 
Keep your buttocks and stomach in line with shoulders and head
Try to strike the ground first with heel then toe

Walk better and feel better- we can help you train the muscles that matter to keep you upright and pain free throughout the day. Give our office in Hackensack a call to schedule an appointment today. 

Dr. Albert Stabile, D.C.