The Wrong Way to Walk

Once upon a time, I would have told you that there’s no wrong way to walk. Just get out there and put one foot in front of another. And, for the most part, I still believe that. But then I was joined on one of my regular walks by someone (who shall remain nameless…because I love this person very much) who seemed to be determined to do it all wrong. Like…laughably wrong.

After this disaster of a walk, we both learned some valuable lessons. I, for one, learned that there are, in fact, some ways to get your walking routine wrong. And here’s a look at five of them…

Don’t Worry About the Right Gear

For a casual stroll through your neighborhood, it doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing. Jeans and your favorite jacket and your old everyday shoes? Sure. It’s just a quick, easy walk; no need to spend the time dressing in your best workout gear. But if you’re planning to step up your walking workouts by picking up the pace and/or putting in some miles, you need to pay attention to what you’re wearing. Reach for comfortable, moisture-wicking layers (depending on the weather) that move with you: leggings, joggers, breathable shirts and hoodies. And don’t forget about the shoes! Sure, I remember the time my 10-year-old daughter joined me for a 5k walk along the river wearing her favorite Crocs, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Get some comfortable walking shoes that absorb the impact and support your feet. This will keep your feet, your ankles, your knees, and more from hurting during and after your walk.

Focus on Efficiency—and Just Get It Done

This is probably the funniest part of our walk. The trail where I walk has two parking areas—one at the top of the hill and one at the bottom. I park at the bottom. There’s a dirt trail that goes from the lower parking lot to the regular trail, but it can get muddy—so, when it’s been rainy, I just walk up the hill to the trail instead. This was mind-boggling to my companion.

Pointing to the dirt trail: “Why not just go that way?”

“It’s dirt, and it gets muddy,” I explained as I kept walking toward the hill.

“But it doesn’t look muddy now.”

“That’s fine. We can still walk up the hill,” I said.

“Then why didn’t you just park there?”

I then had to explain that going for a walk isn’t about efficiency or getting out and getting it over with. It’s about so much more. It’s about getting the steps in. It’s about putting in the work and getting some good exercise (and walking up hills is great exercise). It’s about enjoying the time outside and breathing in the fresh air.

If you’re just trying to get out there and get your workout in as quickly and as efficiently as possible, sure…you can go that route. But while you may get the physical benefits of the workout, but you’ll miss out on the mental and emotional aspects of getting out and just enjoying the journey.

Ignore the Rules of the Trail

Whether you’re walking on the roads around your neighborhood or you’re walking on a community trail, there are rules to follow to make sure that everyone stays safe. If you’re walking on roads, either stick to the sidewalks or walk on the left side of the road, walking against oncoming traffic. Make sure to be visible and be aware of your surroundings, so you’ll stay safe.

If you’re on a trail, be sure to follow the trail’s guidelines, too. My favorite trail is also a favorite for bikers—and while they’ll often signal (according to the trail guidelines) with a bell and an “On your left!” it’s best to stay in your lane. Walk as far to the right as you can. Because not every biker will warn you that they’re coming—and if you’re wandering around the trail, you might cause a collision.

Keep Your Eyes on Your Feet

Depending on the terrain of your favorite walking path, it’s important to keep an eye on where you’re walking. Stand tall as you walk, and watch the trail ahead, so you’re prepared for any sticks or puddles or uneven patches. Do not, however, spend the entire time staring down at your feet.

I understand that sometimes you’re just having a bad day. And you can get so caught up in your bad day that you can just curl up inside of that bad day and let it take over your whole body—and, thus, you end up scowling down at your feet. A walk can do so much to help you through those bad days—but you have to let it.

Instead of looking down at your feet while you walk, stand up straight. Take deep breaths of that fresh air. Take in the world around you. Notice the trees and the wildlife and enjoy the birds’ songs. If you just let yourself let go, your walk will do so much to lift your spirits while you’re getting your exercise.

Underestimate the Work

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they start walking is to underestimate. Everyone can walk, right? Well, sure…most of us can walk. We can walk through the grocery store. We can walk down the street to pick up our kids at the bus stop. Maybe we can even go on short walks around the neighborhood. But really walking is something different. Walking at a brisk pace—or for longer periods of time—is a workout. Like any other workout, it’s not something that you just jump into. And if you want to avoid a whole lot of pain and agony, it’s important to take it seriously. Just because you can walk doesn’t mean that you can just go from getting a few thousand steps a day to going on a brisk, seven-mile walk. Of course, it’s always wise to talk to your doctor before jumping into a new exercise routine—but it’s also smart to start easy and work your way up.

A couple of years ago, a friend found out that I walked races, and she wanted to join me. She eagerly registered for a 5k, and on the way to the race, I had a feeling that she was underestimating the effort. Sure, she’s a pretty fit person. Sure, it’s not running. But it’s still three miles, all at once, at a relatively brisk pace. And while we made it through without any major issues, she did admit to me the next day that she was surprised by how sore she was.

Walking may not be power-lifting 400 pounds or running a marathon, but it still takes training. So start easy and work your way up.

Yes, walking is a great way for just about anyone to get some exercise. It’s a wonderfully easy way to work out—but not a fail-proof one. But if you put a little bit of thought and effort into it—and show it the respect it deserves—you’ll soon be on your way to a routine that’s great for your physical and mental health.