Day 2: NOVA Walk Week–Today’s Walker Wisdom- Check your Walking Form

If you have not yet signed up for NOVA Walk Week, there’s still time. Register here and join your colleagues as we level up our Move It Monday! Campaign. 

We learn to walk when we’re still in diapers, but that doesn’t mean we necessarily know how to walk correctly. Like any other exercise, walking requires the right technique in order to be done safely and effectively. Get the right shoes, join your Campus Walk, and check your form.

Proper walking form incorporates four different elements: posture, foot motion, stride, and arm movement. For posture, hold your head high, place your shoulders back, and tighten your midsection. Remember to stand up straight and don’t arch your back. When in motion, your arm movements should be minimal; make sure that as one arm goes back, the opposite foot goes forward, and do your best to keep your hands partially closed but not clenched — a clenched fist can raise your blood pressure.

Now let’s focus on what’s happening waist down. Do your best to tuck your pelvis under your torso and position your feet straight ahead and parallel to each other. With each step, remember to hit the ground first with your heel and roll through to your toe. 

When you go on your daily walk, focus on form and take the extra time to make sure you’re walking correctly. Your back, hips and knees will thank you.

Where to walk?

At NOVA: Look here for maps to a selection of trails on our beautiful campuses.

Additional Destinations:

• Northern Virginia Highlights: Best Hikes In Northern Virginia – Historic Virginia Travel
• District of Columbia Trail System: DC Trails
• State Park Trail System: Virginia Trails
• Maryland’s Trail System: Maryland’s Trail System Second-to-None | VisitMaryland.org

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, dhtett@nvcc.edu