Remember the time when King of Pop Michael Jackson did the iconic moonwalk for the first time and people went crazy? Well, that moment is considered one of the most epic in dance histroy. But, will you believe it, if we said that not just for entertainment, walking backwards has some amazing health benefits too? That's right. There are umpteen benefits that can potentially improve your mental and physical health if you include the exercise in your daily routine. (Image: Reuters)
Reverse or backwards walking often helps in sharpening short-term recall, thereby providing a boost to your brain health. Your brain health is enhanced with time when you include this practice into your day-to-day regime. (Image: Reuters)
No 1. Relieves stress and anxiety | Though there is not much study to prove it, walking backwards is often said to help in reducing stress and anxiety, While you walk backward, it engages parts of the brain that help your mood and further creates a sense of calmness. (Image: CNBC-TV18)
No 2. Raises alertness | Walking backwards reportedly helps the brain to work differently altogether. A report by PharmEasy states that it can "unclog new paths in your brain and boost your overall cognitive state. (Image: PTI)
No 3. Boost brain health | Studies show that reverse walking often helps in sharpening short-term recall, thereby providing a boost to your brain health. Your brain health is enhanced with time when you include this practice into your day-to-day regime. (Image: Reuters)
No 4. Burns more calories | In today's modern world, youngsters remain concerned about burning enough calories. In such a case, walking backwards can be a great practice as it requires greater effort and helps you burn even more calories than normal walks. Reports suggest that reverse walking at 3.5 mph helps you burn 40% more calories than forward walks. (Image: Reuters)
No 5. More muscle strength | Walking backwards uses a different set of mechanics, focusing on muscles that are not usually used while normal walking. Hence, this might help you in building muscle strength. (Image: AP)
No 6. Better balance | It is also believed that walking backwards helps in getting better balance and gait, thereby helping you in reducing falls. (Image: Reuters)
No 7. Relief from knee pain | If you have knee pain, then retro walking might be a great exercise for you. When you walk backwards, it is said that there is less stress on your knees due to the reduced pressure. (Image: Reuters)
No 8. Improves heart health | Often it is said that marching backwards may help in proving the health of heat and lungs, since it requires more oxygen and triggers the circulatory system more. This can be a great exercise for athletes. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Enhances flexibility | Also, moving backwards may help in improving the flexibility of certain body joints like hips, ankles and knees. This type of exercise decreases muscle stiffness. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 10. Makes workout engaging | Keeping boredom aside, walking backwards to your daily workout routine adds some uniqueness and makes it more engaging for you. When you walk backwards, you remain more alert, which can make your workout experience enjoyable.