Have you ever watched people as they walk from their cars into the grocery store? If you have you see where the need for knee and hip replacements starts for so many people.

The observable walking issues concern:

Posture – No upper body involvement and rolling the back and shoulders forward.

Pace – Walking very slowly with short strides is more like a shuffle than a walk.

Footwear – Flip-flops, sandals, heavy boots, and high heels limit flexing of toes and ankles.

Weight – Overweight puts stress on muscles and joints. Proper walking becomes a challenge.

Past Injuries – Concern about recurrence and lingering aches can alter natural walking styles.

We are told that 10,000 steps a day (three miles +) is ideal. The truth is that many people walk only 1,000 steps a day. Many of those steps are not properly taken.

Physical therapists and personal trainers tell us that there is a right way and a wrong way to walk. A web browser search starting with “Proper Walking” will shows many helpful videos.

Incidentally, don’t watch me walk as I am certain that I have bad habits that need correcting. How do I know? My right hip and knee are tender at times. My gluts and psoas muscles are often stiff and sore. (Could it be too much sitting in front of my computer screen?)

Forgive me but I must wrap this up and go take a long walk while concentrating on my technique. Care to join me?