Walking involves the realistic shift of body weight from one foot to the other, akin to hopping from one foot to the other in sequence. However, efficient walking goes beyond mere balance; it requires the ability to balance on one leg without toppling over. Many of us can walk without losing our balance and falling, but this doesn't necessarily equate to efficient walking mechanics. In the previous lesson (see Part I of this series), I delved into the structural organization of the torso during walking and the variations in two-foot strikes. In this session, I want to focus on the walking (gait) cycle movement pattern.

Walking's Cross-Pattern

Another crucial element to be aware of in walking is the inherent cross-pattern between the arms and legs. When walking, the body's natural cadence involves the opposing arm and leg moving forward. This means that as you step forward with your right leg, your left arm swings forward in tandem, and vice versa. This cross-pattern activates core muscles and generates a twisting or torsion motion throughout your entire torso or body chassis.

This torsion serves two essential purposes. First, it acts as a pump necessary to lubricate the spine and its associated connective tissues and joint structures. Second, it provides a neurological stimulus to your brain, informing it of the spatial relationships between different body parts, thereby enhancing your body awareness. It also promotes more complex brain and nervous system development and integration, bringing together the left and right hemispheres of your brain. Understanding and recognizing this crossing pattern is crucial for moving better and aging well throughout your life.

What's the Connection Between Walking Better and Longevity?

Poor body postural habits can compromise this natural motion, ultimately affecting how your body ages. This is why moving more is only part of the solution to moving better and aging gracefully. The way we execute our movements is the other crucial part of the equation. Introducing intention into our daily movements provides the feedback and awareness needed to manage them better. Walking is an excellent activity to focus on because it's something we do consistently. Learning where to direct our attention and practicing the necessary steps and their execution will improve the act of walking and make it second nature over time. Explore ways to enhance your walking experience through this link on how to walk better.

A common theme throughout much of HUMOMA's information revolves around the following idea:

The key to changing poor movement habits is first recognizing them, followed by understanding how to correct them. Most people are unaware of these movement "blind spots" within their daily activities, particularly those executed regularly like sitting, standing, and walking. These blind spots can persist silently without apparent symptoms until the body can no longer adapt painlessly. Only then will most individuals become aware that something is amiss due to unexplained musculoskeletal pain. Learn more about discovering these blind spots here (Link to discovering blind spots).

Change takes place with consistent awareness, intention, and practice focused on what you want to improve. Practicing over time refines daily movement patterns and makes them relatively intuitive. Commit to dedicating time to consistently practice better movement habits, as discussed in this and the previous video links. Start with something manageable that you can commit to for 30 days, and observe the transformation along the way.

I eagerly anticipate hearing about your experiences.

Until next time, explore your movement and strive for improvement.