1. From Overstriding to Gliding

The Problem: To walk faster, many people take longer steps, overstriding. This increase in stride length creates shock and compression into the joints, especially the heels and knees.

Warning Signs: A bouncy or noisy walk with heel, knee or low back pain that increases during or after walking.

Somatic Experience: The psychological feeling of overstriding may be biting off more than you can chew or getting ahead of yourself. You may feel rushed, over-extended, impatient, or make unrealistic demands on yourself or others. The antidote is to breath, relax, enjoy the gift of the present moment, and change your stride.

The Solution: Take shorter steps to ground your bouncy walk. Shorten your stride. Keep your steps under your body where you have greater traction and can push off more forcefully, Gliding on land.

Exercise: Shorter, Quicker Steps.  Practice a shorter stride for one-minute intervals. Start with very, very small steps and gradually lengthen maintaining ground traction. Repeat 5-8 times during each walk, with at least 1 minute in between each interval.  You’ll walk faster, smoother, and safer lifelong.