If you enjoyed this video, I think you may like my video on the benefits of normal walking: ✅ 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Walking (And Why You Should Do It Everyday) - According To Science ua-cam.com/video/eY2FkUwmsb0/v-deo.html
I actually was advised to do 30 minutes backwards on the treadmill to help strengthen my left leg and it helped both core strength and my lower back spasms after surgery. This was part of a work hardening program that my surgeon agreed I could try rather than becoming disabled. I was able to work another 15 years.
A couple years ago I just started walking backwards on the tracks to save my knees before I even knew it was a thing, I just figured if I walked forward I needed to do some backward walking to balance it out and work the different muscles in my legs/thighs, I no longer have knee pain nor swelling, I seem to burn more calories walking backwards too.....👍🏽
Walking backwards is good when you’re using an elliptical trainer or cross trainer, doing it outside could lead to an injury unless you have eyes in the back of your head. 😊
@@jamesmcguckin6288 I'm an Army Vet I was trained to have eyes in the back of my head, I'm just as fast and as steady walking backwards as I do forwards with no problem, no accidents, folks pass by giving me the thumbs up as I am also a Senior with proper gait.....Its only difficult if you make it difficult 🤗
@@jamesmcguckin6288 Why do you think a track would be a problem. It seems like the perfect place to do it. I was thinking of getting a group of friends to use the one at the school.
Recently, I've been walking backwards up a very steep hill and that has a couple of additional benefits. First, when the hill is very steep, you now have a perfectly straight upward posture compared to a hunched over posture when going forwards. Second, you get a great view, instead of just staring at the few metres of ground in front of you.
Hello Brainy: let's do the back step, back walk, backflip, back cartwheel, dancing back, on stationary bikes ride with our legs go backwards! By DR STEVE, I have to go to the restroom room skipping backward!! i Namaste, Dr S! I guess I'm Chinese now, pass the Ma Po Tofu, gracias Mr BRAINY!!!!!
I would add a fourth benefit. Engaging and challenging the central and peripheral nervous system. Walking without being able to see where you are going can be uncomfortable and stressful. But it also forces you to incorporate other facets of your brain and body, enhancing spatial awareness, and managing contrary, or disarming sensory input. Depending on the individual, it can be a type of relaxation. We do it uphill and often include a slow jog....
I have started driving backwards too. Now I can see the drivers that would otherwise be behind me and wave to them etc. It makes driving more fun and social.
I AM daily walking backwards for the past 20 years (especially uphill). Another benefit is stronger upperbody and stable upperbody posture. Hint: use wider base (feet placement) when walking backwards. 😊
Sandra D, shall we do the Salsa Dancing backward, at the new Clothing Option Night club! We will have fun tonight, it's a FULL MOON! I'm Mooning Dancing backwards to my car for lunch, Namaste Sandra D!
Two years ago I walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats for my 70th birthday. This involved walking on hard surfaces such as roads, canal and gravel paths. The sameness of these tracks plus their hard surfaces can bring on shin splints through repetition over long distances. I saw on a previous UA-cam video the benefits of walking backwards to break up the repetitive step and hence avoid shin splints. I would walk backwards for a few minutes every hour and I had no joint or muscle strain over the 1200 miles walked. You look a bit daft walking backwards with a rucksack mind you but worth it to avoid the dreaded shin splints
I hought you were going to say you walked from Lands End to John i Groats backwards !! Great effort sor.. I'm in my 60's and trying to improve my strength & fitness.
Love ur celebration of Life for ur 70th! I walked 69k for my 69th bd in the Pacific Northwest in May. It was glorious! No backward walking but I did do it with my students in my Strength and Balance class last Wednesday! Yay!
Wow. 😲 That's an amazing effort. Congratulations. How long did it take you? Did you carry a pack all the way and camp in a tent each night? I'm 70 as well but cannot imagine being able to achieve that. 🇦🇺
I've been adding it to my routine for years now, after I saw quite a few Asians in my neighborhood doing this, apparently an ancient health practice. They say , “a hundred steps backwards are worth a thousand steps forward," for all the reasons mentioned here❤
Saw a hiker last week hiking backwards...than this comes up. I used to run backwards decades ago to increase balance and strength. Gonna add this again to my hike. Thank you doc. !
I hurt a knee slightly some years ago which resulted, interestingly, in both my hamstrings getting very tight (which I suspect was an attempt to protect my knees). To fix this, a PT had me walk backwards against resistance, and that helped a great deal.
I used to do this a few years ago. I thought that it was just my thing. I have never seen anyone else do it. I did it for a pain in my leg. I can't remember now where about the pain was. I also find that the instant that I start walking backwards I feel an immediate reduction in stress. That was when I was living abroad. I am back in the big city now and it is much more crowded so I don't do it anymore but having seen how many people in the comments are doing this I might try it again.
I have been walking backwards for about a month or two. I do a km +|- 25 min per day . I have an old ligament injury on my left ankle which has constantly given me problems over the last 40 years. At this point i think it is much stronger and fitter than it has been since injury. My main interest in backward walking is in the neurological benefits. I have been using it to manage depression and better balance in my life with great results . Would love to hear other peoples opinions on the neaurogical benefits or
Walking backwards I’ve been doing this for many years I agree the benefits strengthen your muscles behind the knees 😂in my age 64 thank God I didn’t experience knee problem, so try to do this in a safe place.
I use walking backwards as part of my routine. I also run backwards (80 meters) roughly. On the sand I usually pull along a log as I walk backwards. Its great for balancing the bodies movements.
I've walked my dog on the same beach for a over decade, but switched to "around the block" as the dog is now older. It took me a few months walking barefoot on concrete to realise how my balance has shifted somewhat. Then it dawned on me that I used to walk backwards on the beach, we have crocodiles so I was always checked the dog was ok in the water. I walk backwards for about 80m everyday, my knee pain, balance and gait have all strengthened. To all other seniors and pensioners, it's never too late!
Last week I began experiencing pretty sharp knee pain. I went to the track and began walking backward. After the first mile ALL my knee pain had vanished. I was so impressed that I was hesitant to turn around to walk forward thinking the pain would quickly return. Ultimately, I walked 2.5 miles in this reversed manner to solidify my results. Today I’m experiencing pain in my knee again and I’m on my way back to the track to try to replicate last weeks results…
I can walk backwards a distance of hundreds steps with ease.. that make the back stronger I can tell. Am 70, no back pain, no hip issues and a straight spine. It helps a nice posture and specially very good to correct those who have humpback.
How a basic backward walk can benefit you loved this easily explained video will continue to watch these video also viewed your sideways walk will start doing these walks.
Hello Steven, My physio recommended that I started to walk backwards a few months ago, it has really strengthen my lower back and upper leg muscles, previously I was having treatment for lower back pain which is now much better . I pull aloaded four wheel wheely bin about 150 metres along a concrete track 3 or 4 times a week , at first I had to stop several times but now it just takes a couple of minutes. My core and legs feel much stronger and less floppy and I feel much fitter all over. I'm a 59 year old male who has worked in farming all my life and I feel much stronger for walking backwards. I'm also in Oxfordshire. Kind regards, Jon Slade
Further study has shown, backwards walking unwinds the muscles which have been wound up over normal direction walking. Studies at Yale have shown it to be an electro/chemical reaction which works like a metal spring.
Years ago when I lived within driving distance of the San Diego area beaches, I enjoyed running (not jogging) backward along the glistening sea foam's edge at low tide. After a few minutes of running backward to the soundtrack of the breaking wavelets, I would enter a meditative trance-like state in which I would begin to feel a distinct sensation that I was running forward. At the time I had no idea of the numerous tangible musculoskeletal benefits of backward running, yet, I so enjoyed the deep sense of relaxation and tranquility that swept over me, that I continued that invigorating regime every weekend for years until I eventually relocated a few time-zones away from my beloved SoCal beaches.
I used to walk backwards sins I saw your videos. I walk barefoot and backwards and I saw the results in my legs 🦵 nice video and excellent explanation👍
Backwards walking on the treadmill set at a high incline and with a 10kg plate in each hand (the ones with the hand grip holes). 5 minutes of this between other leg exercises. Also, when you can't get to the gym drag a wheelbarrow backwards loaded up with an appropriate weight back and forwards along a pathway at home
I daily ran up a long steep sidewalk on a hill backwards in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was hot and sunny too. Got some strange looks from some locals and gringos. One lady called me "a show off." I didn't care it was a great workout and kept me strong.
It does have a sort of Monty Python quality to it. Seriously though , I was in considerably knee pain last year, xrays showed only mild degenerative changes. I discovered Ben Patrick's Knee over toe approach ,ordered his small book and bingo ! . I did six of his core exercises and 10 minutes backward walking five times a week . Within three weeks my knee pain disappeared. I'm 62 and can now go jogging again after a years absence and no longer lay in bed unable to sleep with knee pain.
As osteoarthritis took out my knees, I started walking down steps and stairs backwards. Both knees are bone on bone and going down even 1or 2 steps backwards feels so much less painful.
I've just started walking backwards to see if it would help with lower back pain, and so far it's unbelievably working. I'm in my late 60's , and can do 50 pushups, and 70 situps, which I do 3 times per week. Also I'm 160 lbs so the back pain was not from being overweight. I saw another video on this, and somewhat laughed at it, thinking it wouldn't work, but tried it anyways. I can only walk backwards for about 1/2 a mile, and my muscles get very tired, likely coz I don't use them, but I can jog forwards 2-3 miles, and do so, 3 times a week. I've been walking backwards now for about a week, and I'm noticing a "big" improvement in my lower back pain, and will continue to do this, and maybe my lower back pain will completely go away. I was really quite astonished that this would work, but it appears it does.
Great video I am monkeying around walking backwards with a 20 lb weighted vest that I have got used too with foreward walking. Too early to say about any benefits experienced. But one thing I can say at least for me is that walking backwards with the vest feels way easier and less tiring for same distance and time walking forwards. I would have expected the exact opposite
Hi l have practice walking backwards for 2 years and my kindergarden children are doing too....yes the benefits are great tq for the explanation ...l got it ....Dr Steven l hope l anwrite to you more...from malaysia kuantan pahang
I started jogging backwards down steep hills by accident as it was too steep for forward running. My off and on knee pain has stopped since. No more cracking knees on standing after sitting or squatting.
I started walking backwards a couple of days ago. did half a mile and there were hills. I COULDNT believe how sore I was. Opened my eyes though that I have muscles in my legs that I never use.
In 2008 I was in a catastrophic motorbike crash …. told I’d never walk again. Without all the details outside of me saying, what if I say I will? Over 40 breaks left lower extremity… broken back, to transfusions from loss of blood… multiple surgeries, added pins, screws, plates, wire, rods, (relearning simple thought process from a jumbled up body trauma) months of an open wounds never got inflected, months of physiotherapy still, …fall down a flight of steps 2011, fall in a national forest 2016, 2 more motorbike crashes 2017, 2018. WALKING BACKWARDS first starting in water for months was key. I had no idea the benefits, the “walking gods” appreciated my tenacity ….even as extreme atrophy had set it. My left quad is at about 5% functional. That said, one day at a time, all things are possible. Shattered my left ankle in the 2018 crash … however the doc knows if that clear sheath shows up blurry on x-ray, if not torn boned can find their way back in place as did without surgery. My should … not so much, had implants reverse shoulder put in and fully functioning, again extreme atrophy there and tissue loss took a toll. People remember we have control over 2 things, #1 attitude #2 action Lastly, today I am no longer a public, corporate, marketplace, private nuisance…. stopped all risk activity. Rescue chopper pilots, nest wagons, surgeons, family and loved ones were affected appreciate my refraining from blunt force drama. I like land, where I was born. Have A Coke and A Smile!
I just got a small treadmill that is super portable and have been walking backwards on it for a week. I have walked backwards in the past for kneee pain and it does work. I play basketball and I feel it is a must for players to know about walking backwards and it’s benefit for strengthening the knee.
I do it when aqua walking in the pool . It's a really good exercise. I usually do a kilowetre a day, 10 lengths walking forward, 10 lengths alternating forward up and backwards back, 10 lengths sidewase, and then whatever I feel like mixing it up for the last 10 lengths. Going backwards in the pool provides resistance, and if you're clumsy like me, you don't inadvertantly trip over things! 😁
There are quite a few differences with walking backwards in the pool. It is more demanding as You have more resistance and You have less impact on your joints. That there is less impact may be a disadvantage though as less impact means that Your legs and feet don´t get used to handle impact. I need my legs and feet to do that so I prefer to walk backwards in nature, when possible. Also I use barefoot shoes to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments in my feet. Barefoot shoes also gives You better balance and protect your knees. I use Fivefingers brand.
One night when I was on duty as a Railways safe travel officer in Melbourne our crew walked backwards from Alamein station to Holmesglen station. No idea how this idea came up but we did it anyway. It was quite refreshing.
I got accident when playing flying fox since October 2020 , no need surgery but I have use walker when go out alone, use stick if going with somebody else . every afternoon I get out and walking 30 minutes . For fun , I had walked backward , then side walk , then on toes . One year later , I listened another clip that UA-camr said walking backward help your knees . I still do that , 2 times a day after meal .
Dr. Steven, in my old job I use to pull these tall and heavy racks full of cooked Jerry on wheels out of smoker unit down a hall way into cooling room. They were over 6 feet tall, didn't roll easily, but wow did my legs get strong!!! 💞💞🙃💞💞
Thanks indeed dear Dr.Steven Humle. I have been doing this backward walking since last two years without anyone's advice. One day I thought why not I walk backward. Today i am very happy after hearing your advice. I walk one hour every day and during that time, i walk back around 100 to 150 steps. And after that wherever I go i perfer to walk. Here all have cars expect me. For long trips more than 2 kms, i depend on bus. I am 72 years old and with 18 blocks and two stents. Believe it or not, i was on strict diet, regular exercise..Yet I got heart issues. In our family we have this history of cardiac related issues. I have a twin brother who underwent by-pass surgery 11 years ago and keeping fine. I had the issue three years ago during the Covid time. My question is that is it advisable to walk one hour? My doctor advised me only half an hour. Kindly advise. Hope to hear from soon. Regards, E.C.Kurien
"My question is that is it advisable to walk one hour?" Get Yourself a pulse watch and set that watch to set off an alarm when You exceed a pulse that is suggested as a limit by your doctor. This way You should be able to walk longer day by day and eventually be able to walk for hours as You please. Note: As You become more fit You may adjust that limit upwards, i.e. Your heart will tolerate higher maximal pulse rate.
I've been doing "retro-walking" for a couple of years and I find it absolutely necessary. I kind of stop and go. I did buy a very heavy band and something to put into a door so mimic pulling something but haven't tried it yet. Maybe this will get me motivated.
I love walking backwards. I’ve recently started doing it, and I was embarrassed to do it in public, so now I do it at the gym on the treadmill. I much prefer it to walking forward. It definitely helps with knee pain and I like feeling muscles that can haven’t felt much before be activated, all the muscles in the back of my thighs and my calves. Now I’ve seen this, I’m going to keep walking backwards and do it even by increasing incline too.
Recently, I have been walking backwards for 1/2 mile and 2 sets of 100 sidesteps on both side. The click in my right knee, when walking down steps is virtually gone and both legs feel stronger. I also noticed that my knee lift, while walking forwards, has improved and much more natural vs forced.
I do this at the gym to warm up. I walk backwards on the treadmill off for 5 to 10 minutes straight and it is brutal especially if I put it on a hill. And I don’t do cardio. I’m all about weights. I’m about getting strong, scrubbing, thin. Well actually I’m naturally thing, but Women we need to be strong forget cardio hit the weights. Go backwards to strengthen your knees. We go forward all day long. you got a balance that scale if you wanna walk gracefully into a longevity.
I used to do this in the neighborhood where I live where there were lots of homes close by. Eventually they got used to me and stop staring and slowing down their cars 😂 Yes very beneficial to do!
I automatically enjoy doing things backwards largely due to my dyslexia I believe 😊 I’ve always enjoyed doing the backwards version or opposite version of exercises too! I think everything in life should be balanced including physical activity and mobility exercises.
Excellent information. I’m autistic. The elevator music is hard on mind. I am heading quickly towards being on this planet for three quarters of a century. I have been pulling a sled filled with firewood backs for many winter seasons. Add barefoot walking to your daily routine will greatly enhance your overall fitness level. I’m know as Barefoot Mick Canadian version.
I'm 70 and weight train. I had an LCL sprain last year in my left leg. The previous week (I think) I was on my last lap of sled pulls when I experienced a sharp pain on the outside of the upper leg (hamstring?). Next week, the LCL suddenly gave out. I followed a course of Physical Therapy. After a month's rest, I returned to the gym. Sled pulls and leg curls came off my program (I work with a trainer). Leg curls are back, and I manage to do Deadlifts and Squats without a problem. I have noticed that, any time I have muscle spasms, it tends to be when I'm unloading the muscle. Maybe my brain/muscle connections don't allow smooth relaxing of the muscle (maybe an age thing?). Two weeks ago, I tried walking backward on the gym's treadmill (without power) but it didn't move so I switched it on slow. As soon as I stepped off of it, the left knee felt very sloppy. The same thing happened last week when I tried to pull an unloaded sled. It was uncomfortable and the knee seemed really sloppy when I stepped out of the harness. I'm not giving up. I've regressed to just walking backwards 10 minutes in my hallway at home. Hopefully I can progress.
Better than pulling something, is to wear a backpack with one or two dumb bells, which is rucking. I have been walking backwards this way while also walking the dog; great exercise!
DR STEVE, let's do the back step, back walk, backflip, back cartwheel, dancing back, on stationary bikes ride with our legs go backwards! By DR STEVE, I have to go to the restroom room skipping backward!! i Namaste, Dr S!
Very interesting video, thank you. I have practised Tai Chi for 13 years and I was interested to see how in-keeping this is with the Tai Chi form, where there is forward, backward and sideways walking. Also, as many will know, Tai Chi is performed slowly and there is a definite emphasis and intensification of the benefits by doing it that way. I think the walking exercises can and should be done at different speeds, it would certainly work well if done very slowly and mindfully.
Wow I started pulling the garbage and recycle cans backwards up our incline driveway. I felt like my glutes and quads were definitely targeted and strengthened more than I ever felt at the gym. Your video was suggested today- it must be God !!
In China Singapore people are aware of the benefits of back walking. I do it for miles up hill mainly in Santa Barbara. Then I run as if I were 20 years old. So relaxed the front muscles are. I am 71 years old. I also side walking along the shore.
If you enjoyed this video, I think you may like my video on the benefits of normal walking:
✅ 5 Surprising Health Benefits of Walking (And Why You Should Do It Everyday) - According To Science
ua-cam.com/video/eY2FkUwmsb0/v-deo.html
I actually was advised to do 30 minutes backwards on the treadmill to help strengthen my left leg and it helped both core strength and my lower back spasms after surgery. This was part of a work hardening program that my surgeon agreed I could try rather than becoming disabled. I was able to work another 15 years.
That is awesome to hear. God bless you.❤
A couple years ago I just started walking backwards on the tracks to save my knees before I even knew it was a thing, I just figured if I walked forward I needed to do some backward walking to balance it out and work the different muscles in my legs/thighs, I no longer have knee pain nor swelling, I seem to burn more calories walking backwards too.....👍🏽
Walking backwards is good when you’re using an elliptical trainer or cross trainer, doing it outside could lead to an injury unless you have eyes in the back of your head. 😊
@@jamesmcguckin6288 I'm an Army Vet I was trained to have eyes in the back of my head, I'm just as fast and as steady walking backwards as I do forwards with no problem, no accidents, folks pass by giving me the thumbs up as I am also a Senior with proper gait.....Its only difficult if you make it difficult 🤗
Ooo I love naturally smart people. Good one.
@@jamesmcguckin6288 Why do you think a track would be a problem. It seems like the perfect place to do it. I was thinking of getting a group of friends to use the one at the school.
@@jamesmcguckin6288 Oh, you thought 'railroad' and I thought 'school.'😂
Recently, I've been walking backwards up a very steep hill and that has a couple of additional benefits. First, when the hill is very steep, you now have a perfectly straight upward posture compared to a hunched over posture when going forwards. Second, you get a great view, instead of just staring at the few metres of ground in front of you.
Plus it's easier because you can't see how far up the hill you have to go😊
yes uphill backwards really burns your calf muscles but you need to find a quiet path ,not so easy
1. Balance our muscles @3:16
2. reduces knee pain @ 4:30
3. reduces falls @ 5:31
Thanks
Thank you
Saw loads of people do it in Chinese parks. Mind you, they can exercise, dance, sing etc in their parks without anyone mocking them.
Ancient Chinese practice backwards walking
Different culture
Hello Brainy: let's do the back step, back walk, backflip, back cartwheel, dancing back, on stationary bikes ride with our legs go backwards! By DR STEVE, I have to go to the restroom room skipping backward!! i Namaste, Dr S!
I guess I'm Chinese now, pass the Ma Po Tofu, gracias Mr BRAINY!!!!!
Exactly. In the West all they know is to stuff themselves to the gills and expose their hanging bellies. It is sickening above all.
Just do your thing. You won't be hurting anyone. Live.
Haha haha I'm do ballroom dancing and as a woman I'm ALWAYS walking backwards!💝
I would add a fourth benefit. Engaging and challenging the central and peripheral nervous system. Walking without being able to see where you are going can be uncomfortable and stressful. But it also forces you to incorporate other facets of your brain and body, enhancing spatial awareness, and managing contrary, or disarming sensory input. Depending on the individual, it can be a type of relaxation. We do it uphill and often include a slow jog....
sure,it's the worlds most beneficial exercise.
I'm doing it 12 yrs
I like uphill for the challenge and stability…thanks!
Does it have same benefits if I walk backwards in swimming pool..
I found that when I had knee pain, walking up and down the stairs backwards relieved my pains and strengthened my legs.
It's fantastic for knee pain.
I have started driving backwards too. Now I can see the drivers that would otherwise be behind me and wave to them etc. It makes driving more fun and social.
That's a good one
😂
I almost choked to death I laughed so hard.
I've been mixing walking backwards for years. I hike, or go on long walks, about 10-12 miles a week. Walking is the king of exercise.
Swimming.
Both😂
@@geertabrahams4656 cmon now its obvs running:P
I AM daily walking backwards for the past 20 years (especially uphill). Another benefit is stronger upperbody and stable upperbody posture. Hint: use wider base (feet placement) when walking backwards. 😊
I have been doing it too for years. I even have jogged backwards. 😊
What is wider base?
Sandra D, shall we do the Salsa Dancing backward, at the new Clothing Option Night club! We will have fun tonight, it's a FULL MOON! I'm Mooning Dancing backwards to my car for lunch, Namaste Sandra D!
What’s the benefit of a wider base? And can you give more of example of what you mean by a wider base like open y your legs wider than hip distance ?
Two years ago I walked from Land’s End to John O’Groats for my 70th birthday. This involved walking on hard surfaces such as roads, canal and gravel paths. The sameness of these tracks plus their hard surfaces can bring on shin splints through repetition over long distances. I saw on a previous UA-cam video the benefits of walking backwards to break up the repetitive step and hence avoid shin splints. I would walk backwards for a few minutes every hour and I had no joint or muscle strain over the 1200 miles walked. You look a bit daft walking backwards with a rucksack mind you but worth it to avoid the dreaded shin splints
I hought you were going to say you walked from Lands End to John i Groats backwards !! Great effort sor.. I'm in my 60's and trying to improve my strength & fitness.
On a treadmill, ok. Outdoors, hard not to trip over things 😊
Love ur celebration of Life for ur 70th! I walked 69k for my 69th bd in the Pacific Northwest in May. It was glorious! No backward walking but I did do it with my students in my Strength and Balance class last Wednesday! Yay!
@@NikoHL It is NEVER too late! One study showed “super seniors…90 plus gaining strength with weight training! So…if they can, we can too! 💪🏽💃👏🏽
Wow. 😲 That's an amazing effort. Congratulations. How long did it take you? Did you carry a pack all the way and camp in a tent each night? I'm 70 as well but cannot imagine being able to achieve that. 🇦🇺
I've been adding it to my routine for years now, after I saw quite a few Asians in my neighborhood doing this, apparently an ancient health practice. They say , “a hundred steps backwards are worth a thousand steps forward," for all the reasons mentioned here❤
It’s always nice to revisit where you’ve already been!
Exactly my thought
Saw a hiker last week hiking backwards...than this comes up. I used to run backwards decades ago to increase balance and strength. Gonna add this again to my hike. Thank you doc. !
I hurt a knee slightly some years ago which resulted, interestingly, in both my hamstrings getting very tight (which I suspect was an attempt to protect my knees). To fix this, a PT had me walk backwards against resistance, and that helped a great deal.
I used to do this a few years ago.
I thought that it was just my thing.
I have never seen anyone else do it. I did it for a pain in my leg.
I can't remember now where about the pain was.
I also find that the instant that I start walking backwards I feel an immediate reduction in stress.
That was when I was living abroad.
I am back in the big city now and it is much more crowded so I don't do it anymore but having seen how many people in the comments are doing this I might try it again.
Skipping has some great benefits too and it is fun!
Sure does! But have you experienced Morton’s Neuroma in your feet? It hurts! 😡 💩
I have been walking backwards for about a month or two. I do a km +|- 25 min per day . I have an old ligament injury on my left ankle which has constantly given me problems over the last 40 years. At this point i think it is much stronger and fitter than it has been since injury. My main interest in backward walking is in the neurological benefits. I have been using it to manage depression and better balance in my life with great results . Would love to hear other peoples opinions on the neaurogical benefits or
I do it regularly ,I am getting better sleep and I find it strenthening my core leg muscles
.
Walking backwards I’ve been doing this for many years I agree the benefits strengthen your muscles behind the knees 😂in my age 64 thank God I didn’t experience knee problem, so try to do this in a safe place.
I have done done this many years ago. I found it strengthened my quads and it definitely is good for balance. Thank you for sharing this.
I use walking backwards as part of my routine. I also run backwards (80 meters) roughly. On the sand I usually pull along a log as I walk backwards. Its great for balancing the bodies movements.
I use to think backwards. 🤔 Then I stopped watching videos like this.
I've walked my dog on the same beach for a over decade, but switched to "around the block" as the dog is now older. It took me a few months walking barefoot on concrete to realise how my balance has shifted somewhat. Then it dawned on me that I used to walk backwards on the beach, we have crocodiles so I was always checked the dog was ok in the water. I walk backwards for about 80m everyday, my knee pain, balance and gait have all strengthened. To all other seniors and pensioners, it's never too late!
I used to backwards run, and LOVED it. I did it on a college track. I think I'll start backwards walking.
Great idea. Thank you!
Last week I began experiencing pretty sharp knee pain. I went to the track and began walking backward. After the first mile ALL my knee pain had vanished. I was so impressed that I was hesitant to turn around to walk forward thinking the pain would quickly return.
Ultimately, I walked 2.5 miles in this reversed manner to solidify my results. Today I’m experiencing pain in my knee again and I’m on my way back to the track to try to replicate last weeks results…
When walking I and friends found our shin muscles would have a burning sensation when we weren't fit.
Walking backwards offers relief within seconds.
Ahhhh. I just started walking again and have had recurring shin pain. Will try this. Thanks !
@@pibly7784you'll experience shin pain when starting hard walking.
I was amazed how quickly it offered relief.
Just don't fall over backwards! 😀
I just found out walking backwards is good for your knees ! Started doing it on the treadmill helps quite a bit
I can walk backwards a distance of hundreds steps with ease.. that make the back stronger I can tell. Am 70, no back pain, no hip issues and a straight spine. It helps a nice posture and specially very good to correct those who have humpback.
Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain where we currently walk backwards going forward. Thank you for sharing
How a basic backward walk can benefit you loved this easily explained video will continue to watch these video also viewed your sideways walk will start doing these walks.
Hello Steven,
My physio recommended that I started to walk backwards a few months ago, it has really strengthen my lower back and upper leg muscles, previously I was having treatment for lower back pain which is now much better . I pull aloaded four wheel wheely bin about 150 metres along a concrete track 3 or 4 times a week , at first I had to stop several times but now it just takes a couple of minutes. My core and legs feel much stronger and less floppy and I feel much fitter all over. I'm a 59 year old male who has worked in farming all my life and I feel much stronger for walking backwards. I'm also in Oxfordshire.
Kind regards,
Jon Slade
Further study has shown, backwards walking unwinds the muscles which have been wound up over normal direction walking. Studies at Yale have shown it to be an electro/chemical reaction which works like a metal spring.
😂
Thank you ❤🔥
Great information, I will definitely try it. Thank you.
Years ago when I lived within driving distance of the San Diego area beaches, I enjoyed running (not jogging) backward along the glistening sea foam's edge at low tide. After a few minutes of running backward to the soundtrack of the breaking wavelets, I would enter a meditative trance-like state in which I would begin to feel a distinct sensation that I was running forward.
At the time I had no idea of the numerous tangible musculoskeletal benefits of backward running, yet, I so enjoyed the deep sense of relaxation and tranquility that swept over me, that I continued that invigorating regime every weekend for years until I eventually relocated a few time-zones away from my beloved SoCal beaches.
I used to walk backwards sins I saw your videos. I walk barefoot and backwards and I saw the results in my legs 🦵 nice video and excellent explanation👍
Good informatio mostly to seniors
Backwards walking on the treadmill set at a high incline and with a 10kg plate in each hand (the ones with the hand grip holes). 5 minutes of this between other leg exercises. Also, when you can't get to the gym drag a wheelbarrow backwards loaded up with an appropriate weight back and forwards along a pathway at home
I always finish my runs and walks by walking backwards up the hill near my house. Really helps with my knee pain.
Have a Blessed day everyone
Thank you 🙏 going to try this ❤🇬🇧👏
I daily ran up a long steep sidewalk on a hill backwards in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It was hot and sunny too. Got some strange looks from some locals and gringos. One lady called me "a show off." I didn't care it was a great workout and kept me strong.
I have started walking backwards. I dont have room for a sled so i ordered the tredsled by knees over ties guy. Cant wait to get it
I been doing it for decades even ride my bike backwards
Wow, People must be shocked when they see you. I did not know that was even possible thanks for sharing..
It does have a sort of Monty Python quality to it. Seriously though , I was in considerably knee pain last year, xrays showed only mild degenerative changes. I discovered Ben Patrick's Knee over toe approach ,ordered his small book and bingo ! .
I did six of his core exercises and 10 minutes backward walking five times a week . Within three weeks my knee pain disappeared. I'm 62 and can now go jogging again after a years absence and no longer lay in bed unable to sleep with knee pain.
LOL, I do get some strange looks and comments when walking backwards around our neighborhood. :)
Amazing. Still feeling good?
@jayterra2060 Yup, no day to day pain . I'm realistic though ,my knees aren't like I'm 25 again !
As osteoarthritis took out my knees, I started walking down steps and stairs backwards. Both knees are bone on bone and going down even 1or 2 steps backwards feels so much less painful.
me too.
After starting tai chi excercises my knees were cured of pain and I felt much stronger and more balanced.
Thanks!
Very kind thank you William!
I've just started walking backwards to see if it would help with lower back pain,
and so far it's unbelievably working. I'm in my late 60's , and can do 50 pushups,
and 70 situps, which I do 3 times per week. Also I'm 160 lbs so the back pain was
not from being overweight. I saw another video on this, and somewhat laughed at
it, thinking it wouldn't work, but tried it anyways. I can only walk backwards for
about 1/2 a mile, and my muscles get very tired, likely coz I don't use them, but I
can jog forwards 2-3 miles, and do so, 3 times a week. I've been walking backwards
now for about a week, and I'm noticing a "big" improvement in my lower back
pain, and will continue to do this, and maybe my lower back pain will completely
go away. I was really quite astonished that this would work, but it appears it does.
Also good for your peripheral vision and spacial awareness
Great video I am monkeying around walking backwards with a 20 lb weighted vest that I have got used too with foreward walking. Too early to say about any benefits experienced. But one thing I can say at least for me is that walking backwards with the vest feels way easier and less tiring for same distance and time walking forwards. I would have expected the exact opposite
I started doing it this week
I started walking backwards after reading an article in Time magazine. It is actually quite exciting.
Onebof my neurophysiological exercises following a concussion was walking backwards. Great for balance.
Hi l have practice walking backwards for 2 years and my kindergarden children are doing too....yes the benefits are great tq for the explanation ...l got it ....Dr Steven l hope l anwrite to you more...from malaysia kuantan pahang
Great video thank you. From experience, I can say what you say is true.
I started jogging backwards down steep hills by accident as it was too steep for forward running. My off and on knee pain has stopped since. No more cracking knees on standing after sitting or squatting.
Good video, I am going to try it. Thanks
👍👍👍👍well done thanks.
I started walking backwards a couple of days ago. did half a mile and there were hills. I COULDNT believe how sore I was. Opened my eyes though that I have muscles in my legs that I never use.
In 2008 I was in a catastrophic motorbike crash …. told I’d never walk again. Without all the details outside of me saying, what if I say I will? Over 40 breaks left lower extremity… broken back, to transfusions from loss of blood… multiple surgeries, added pins, screws, plates, wire, rods, (relearning simple thought process from a jumbled up body trauma) months of an open wounds never got inflected, months of physiotherapy still, …fall down a flight of steps 2011, fall in a national forest 2016, 2 more motorbike crashes 2017, 2018.
WALKING BACKWARDS first starting in water for months was key. I had no idea the benefits, the “walking gods” appreciated my tenacity ….even as extreme atrophy had set it.
My left quad is at about 5% functional. That said, one day at a time, all things are possible.
Shattered my left ankle in the 2018 crash … however the doc knows if that clear sheath shows up blurry on x-ray, if not torn boned can find their way back in place as did without surgery. My should … not so much, had implants reverse shoulder put in and fully functioning, again extreme atrophy there and tissue loss took a toll.
People remember we have control over 2 things, #1 attitude #2 action
Lastly, today I am no longer a public, corporate, marketplace, private nuisance…. stopped all risk activity. Rescue chopper pilots, nest wagons, surgeons, family and loved ones were affected appreciate my refraining from blunt force drama.
I like land, where I was born.
Have A Coke and A Smile!
I just got a small treadmill that is super portable and have been walking backwards on it for a week. I have walked backwards in the past for kneee pain and it does work. I play basketball and I feel it is a must for players to know about walking backwards and it’s benefit for strengthening the knee.
Thanks
I do it when aqua walking in the pool . It's a really good exercise. I usually do a kilowetre a day, 10 lengths walking forward, 10 lengths alternating forward up and backwards back, 10 lengths sidewase, and then whatever I feel like mixing it up for the last 10 lengths. Going backwards in the pool provides resistance, and if you're clumsy like me, you don't inadvertantly trip over things! 😁
There are quite a few differences with walking backwards in the pool. It is more demanding as You have more resistance and You have less impact on your joints. That there is less impact may be a disadvantage though as less impact means that Your legs and feet don´t get used to handle impact. I need my legs and feet to do that so I prefer to walk backwards in nature, when possible. Also I use barefoot shoes to strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments in my feet. Barefoot shoes also gives You better balance and protect your knees. I use Fivefingers brand.
One night when I was on duty as a Railways safe travel officer in Melbourne our crew walked backwards from Alamein station to Holmesglen station. No idea how this idea came up but we did it anyway. It was quite refreshing.
I got accident when playing flying fox since October 2020 , no need surgery but I have use walker when go out alone, use stick if going with somebody else . every afternoon I get out and walking 30 minutes . For fun , I had walked backward , then side walk , then on toes . One year later , I listened another clip that UA-camr said walking backward help your knees .
I still do that , 2 times a day after meal .
WELL DOINE SIR!
Dr. Steven, in my old job I use to pull these tall and heavy racks full of cooked Jerry on wheels out of smoker unit down a hall way into cooling room. They were over 6 feet tall, didn't roll easily, but wow did my legs get strong!!! 💞💞🙃💞💞
Thanks indeed dear Dr.Steven Humle.
I have been doing this backward walking since last two years without anyone's advice. One day I thought why not I walk backward. Today i am very happy after hearing your advice.
I walk one hour every day and during that time, i walk back around 100 to 150 steps. And after that wherever I go i perfer to walk. Here all have cars expect me. For long trips more than 2 kms, i depend on bus. I am 72 years old and with 18 blocks and two stents. Believe it or not, i was on strict diet, regular exercise..Yet I got heart issues. In our family we have this history of cardiac related issues.
I have a twin brother who underwent by-pass surgery 11 years ago and keeping fine. I had the issue three years ago during the Covid time.
My question is that is it advisable to walk one hour? My doctor advised me only half an hour. Kindly advise.
Hope to hear from soon.
Regards,
E.C.Kurien
"My question is that is it advisable to walk one hour?" Get Yourself a pulse watch and set that watch to set off an alarm when You exceed a pulse that is suggested as a limit by your doctor. This way You should be able to walk longer day by day and eventually be able to walk for hours as You please. Note: As You become more fit You may adjust that limit upwards, i.e. Your heart will tolerate higher maximal pulse rate.
Great idea 😊
I've been doing "retro-walking" for a couple of years and I find it absolutely necessary. I kind of stop and go. I did buy a very heavy band and something to put into a door so mimic pulling something but haven't tried it yet. Maybe this will get me motivated.
Thank you so much...will try this definitely..Many Blessings🎉
In India, we practise it. Evem my PM does it. Very useful video,thank you.
Oh, that fourth pass, fake degree holder, family forsaker, wife deserter, woman stalker, MOHAMMED BIN TUGHLAQ and DALAAL of AMBANI ADANI.
I love walking backwards. I’ve recently started doing it, and I was embarrassed to do it in public, so now I do it at the gym on the treadmill. I much prefer it to walking forward. It definitely helps with knee pain and I like feeling muscles that can haven’t felt much before be activated, all the muscles in the back of my thighs and my calves.
Now I’ve seen this, I’m going to keep walking backwards and do it even by increasing incline too.
Recently, I have been walking backwards for 1/2 mile and 2 sets of 100 sidesteps on both side. The click in my right knee, when walking down steps is virtually gone and both legs feel stronger. I also noticed that my knee lift, while walking forwards, has improved and much more natural vs forced.
I do this at the gym to warm up. I walk backwards on the treadmill off for 5 to 10 minutes straight and it is brutal especially if I put it on a hill. And I don’t do cardio. I’m all about weights. I’m about getting strong, scrubbing, thin. Well actually I’m naturally thing, but Women we need to be strong forget cardio hit the weights. Go backwards to strengthen your knees. We go forward all day long. you got a balance that scale if you wanna walk gracefully into a longevity.
I used to do this in the neighborhood where I live where there were lots of homes close by. Eventually they got used to me and stop staring and slowing down their cars 😂
Yes very beneficial to do!
I walk backwards on the treadmill at the gym. I also put it on a high incline the burn is insane.
A ski coach who sent three of his kids to the World Cup (Czech) told me to walk backwards up hills.
Ok i Will wait for you next Video Tq🙏
HAPPY SUNDAY GBU
good exercise
Fantastic
I automatically enjoy doing things backwards largely due to my dyslexia I believe 😊
I’ve always enjoyed doing the backwards version or opposite version of exercises too!
I think everything in life should be balanced including physical activity and mobility exercises.
Walking backward has been highly recommended by Don Juan to Castaneda. It was a usual practice in the group of this toltec shamans.
I work forward and backwards in the pool, but would never try it on land at my age and medical conditions.
40 plus years ago I used to run and walk miles backwards.
I jump rope slot and this has been tremendous. Going to add walking backwards to my regimen.
Me too! But have you experienced Morton’s Neuroma in your feet? 😡 💩 it hurts!
Excellent information. I’m autistic. The elevator music is hard on mind. I am heading quickly towards being on this planet for three quarters of a century. I have been pulling a sled filled with firewood backs for many winter seasons. Add barefoot walking to your daily routine will greatly enhance your overall fitness level. I’m know as Barefoot Mick Canadian version.
I'm 70 and weight train. I had an LCL sprain last year in my left leg. The previous week (I think) I was on my last lap of sled pulls when I experienced a sharp pain on the outside of the upper leg (hamstring?). Next week, the LCL suddenly gave out. I followed a course of Physical Therapy. After a month's rest, I returned to the gym. Sled pulls and leg curls came off my program (I work with a trainer). Leg curls are back, and I manage to do Deadlifts and Squats without a problem. I have noticed that, any time I have muscle spasms, it tends to be when I'm unloading the muscle. Maybe my brain/muscle connections don't allow smooth relaxing of the muscle (maybe an age thing?). Two weeks ago, I tried walking backward on the gym's treadmill (without power) but it didn't move so I switched it on slow. As soon as I stepped off of it, the left knee felt very sloppy. The same thing happened last week when I tried to pull an unloaded sled. It was uncomfortable and the knee seemed really sloppy when I stepped out of the harness. I'm not giving up. I've regressed to just walking backwards 10 minutes in my hallway at home. Hopefully I can progress.
Better than pulling something, is to wear a backpack with one or two dumb bells, which is rucking. I have been walking backwards this way while also walking the dog; great exercise!
Nice idea thanks for sharing
DR STEVE, let's do the back step, back walk, backflip, back cartwheel, dancing back, on stationary bikes ride with our legs go backwards! By DR STEVE, I have to go to the restroom room skipping backward!! i Namaste, Dr S!
I'm surprised no one mentioned another reason to walk backwards: it's fun. 😊
Exactly!
I’ve been walking backwards for sometime. I use my Little Red Wagon 😊👍✨
Very interesting video, thank you. I have practised Tai Chi for 13 years and I was interested to see how in-keeping this is with the Tai Chi form, where there is forward, backward and sideways walking. Also, as many will know, Tai Chi is performed slowly and there is a definite emphasis and intensification of the benefits by doing it that way. I think the walking exercises can and should be done at different speeds, it would certainly work well if done very slowly and mindfully.
Wow I started pulling the garbage and recycle cans backwards up our incline driveway. I felt like my glutes and quads were definitely targeted and strengthened more than I ever felt at the gym. Your video was suggested today- it must be God !!
I used to walk backwards as a child when I had to walk uphill, I found it became much easier and more fun 😅
That's how Michael Jackson got started.
As a keen gardener, pulling a wheel barrow is handy. 😊
Great idea actually!
In China Singapore people are aware of the benefits of back walking. I do it for miles up hill mainly in Santa Barbara. Then I run as if I were 20 years old. So relaxed the front muscles are. I am 71 years old. I also side walking along the shore.