Walking

Walking is a form of locomotion involving the use of the two legs, in which at least one foot is in contact with the ground at all times. Unlike running and leaping, which involve floating periods, walking keeps the body's center of mass vaulted over the stance leg with each step, reducing the energy used for locomotion.

Overview

Walking is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step. This applies regardless of the number of limbs - even arthropods, with six, eight, or more limbs, walk.

Health benefits

Regular, brisk walking can help maintain a healthy weight, prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, strengthen bones and muscles, improve mood, and improve balance and coordination. The faster, farther and more frequently one walks, the greater the benefits.

Technique

Walking involves the rotation of the pelvis and the motion of the upper body, including the head and arms. The stride in walking is composed of three phases: contact, midstance, and propulsive. The contact phase begins when the foot contacts the ground and ends when the body's center of mass is directly over the foot. The midstance phase begins at this point and ends when the body's center of mass is directly over the foot. The propulsive phase begins at this point and ends when the foot leaves the ground.

See also

• Hiking
• Trekking
• Pedestrianism
• Racewalking

References

Walking Resources
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