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How to Walk Faster: Head and Torso
Posture for Fast Walking

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated April 12, 2004

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Walking PostureErofit.com
How you hold your body is very important to walking comfortably and easily. With good posture you will be able to breathe easier and you will avoid back pain.
  • Stand up straight.
  • Think of being tall and straight, do not arch your back.
  • Do not lean back or sit back on your your hips, this strains the back.
  • Some coaches recommend leaning forward 5 degrees, but this usually results in too much lean, not improving speed.
  • Eyes forward, not looking down but rather 20 feet ahead.
  • Chin up (parallel to the ground). This reduces strain on neck and back.
  • Relax your jaw and avoid tension in your neck.
  • Shrug once and let your shoulders fall and relax, your shoulders slightly back. Do not hike up your shoulders or tense them.
  • Suck in your stomach - keep your abdominal muscles firm but not overtightened.
  • Tuck in your behind - rotate your hip forward slightly. This will keep you from arching your back.
  • Your head should remain level as you walk, all motion takes place from the shoulders down.
  • Your hips will rotate front to back as you walk, avoid side-to-side swaying which is wasted motion.

Next Page: Arm motion

How to Walk Faster
Intro
Shoes
Baseline
Technique
Head and Torso
Arms
Foot Motion
Leg Motion
Warm-up
Stretching Drills & Workouts

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