Move Forward by Running Backwards: The Surprising Benefits Explained

We're all familiar with morning jogs, hiking trails, and endurance workouts. But what about going for a walk or run backward?

In Japan, they've been adhering to this trend for some time now. Meanwhile, in the UK, competitions specifically for backwards running have been established.

Why is walking backward considered something remarkable?

Advantages

Moving (or strolling) backward is believed to benefit physical health, improve sleep quality, and enhance memory retention. This type of movement heightens your sensory perception since it demands additional concentration. As you can’t see directly behind you, you depend more on other senses to get around. Consequently, your brain receives an added mental exercise!

Enhancing your posture is one of the benefits; walking backward promotes an upright stance and effectively engages your abdominal muscles.

When moving backward, your calf muscles and the front part of your thighs (quadriceps) have to work more intensively. In contrast, normal running primarily engages your hamstrings and knee tendons. Consequently, reversing your steps can reduce the likelihood of getting injured.

It can also serve as an enjoyable deviation from your usual weekly or daily workout regimen.

Additionally, walking backward demands more energy, resulting in burning more calories!

(FVDV - Source: Plus magazine - Illustration image: Unsplash)