In the 19th and early 20th century, people would walk backwards long distances in order to gain publicity or set a world record. It was akin to flagpole sitting- useless, but a way to make yourself famous. But maybe they were on to something. Studies of human physiology show that walking backwards, or “retro walking,” has benefits for our health.
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The main risk of walking backwards is the inability to see where you are going, but that can be overcome with a mirror, a partner, or a peeking technique. The actual act of walking -or running- backward is easier on the hip and knee joints because the range of motion is smaller. Also, you are using muscles that you normally wouldn’t in forward locomotion, like back muscles. Walking backward has been shown to reduce pain in the lower back and strengthen hamstrings. The backward motion also causes you to land on the balls of your feet instead of the heel. The brain benefits, too, by using different brain areas to control the incongruous task. Read about the physical and mental benefits of walking backward at BBC Future. -via Strange Company
(Image credit: Roberto Ferrari)
Source: neatorama