I'm 79 years old and I’ve had severe walking problems caused by nerve damage from chemotherapy. I ended up leaning forward but I’ve found a super way to get over it. I walk with my hands behind my back, together. It’s super! It makes me stand up straight and I have no trouble seeing the ground and taking care of seeing what’s in front of me of me. It has changed the way I walk. Backwards just doesn’t work for me, but simply putting my hands behind my back works like magic! Try it. It’s like magic!
What a great video for a change. No silly talking, no time wasting introductions, just straight to the point - Thank you! Wonderful video and great information
Last week I fell for the 3rd time while struggling not to lean forward while walking down a slanted parking lot. That's 3 rides in an ambulance and 3 visits to the ER. The first time I was walking down my driveway at night in the rain. After falling I could not stand up and had to crawl on my hands and knees back up to my house. Last time was in a shopping center parking lot where I smashed into a cart corral at warp speed. Until now I did not know leaning forward while walking at age 75 was an actual thing! No doctor has mentioned this possibility to me. Thank you!
I am a senior. I am 4 days a week at the gym. I walk backwards on a treadmill, on low speed. Started with 1 min,now I walk backwards 10-12 min without problem.😊
I was surprised to find that I can walk backwards without no problem. However, I cannot complete your prerequisite exercise walking heel to toe. In fact I cannot even stand balanced, with in a heel to toe position. I wonder if my Parkinson's is attacking a specific part of my brain.
I love doing that. It makes my back feeling really good, like a self massage. I walk daily 2 hours but intermittently I do backwards for 200 steps, off on during my walk. It's a bit imbalance at first but when you get used to it it's enjoyable. Very important is how you return back the position from walking forward to backwards. For beginners, when you change from forward to backwards and vice versa, completely stop walking and turn around slowly in a stable position of your feet and legs, that prevent you from losing balance and fall. One more thing, when walking backwards, do not stretch your legs, but bend your knees,that make it easier and flexible, per my experience. Am doing that for many years so It became a second nature. Backward walking also improve your glutes spine and back. 70 years old, sporty and athletic all my life, never stop. Very informative and useful. 👍+Subscribed 💕
Thank you for this. I am 87 years old and one of those long haulers......I don't have very good balance and use a cane most of the time......the walking backward is something I've never considered....I'm going to start it with my walker.....I don't use it anymore but I'm going to get it out and do it with the walking backward....
I'm in my mid 60's and walking backwards helps my knee pain! I live on a farm and I often carry a slop bucket or push a wheel barrow across 4 acres of field w/a slight downhill slope to a wooded gully. I walk backwards all the way back up to the barn. I started doing this about 3 years ago and my knees are getting stronger and stronger and I'm having significantly less pain. I'm taking no pain medications at all.
This is good to know! I've recently developed knee arthritis and consequently weakness in that joint. I'm going to use backwards walking as an experiment! Thanks!
This is exactly what I need because I find myself leaning forward more and more as I walk, which discourages me from walking. I am going to try this so I can walk straight up once again. Thank you so much for your video.
I have been doing this for awhile now. It is good for the back of the legs too. Walking backwards shifts your whole middle section to a more correct position.
Wow, I just stumbled on this. I walk forward all the time, my head is always bent down. I am 71 but have always been fit. However the last 5 yrs I moved to BC (near my kids) and am not as active now. Iknow I have aged physically in that time. I try do be conscience of it but I lose it as quickly. Thank you for this channel.
This is the first video I really saw a regarding walking backwards cuz I do walk forward bent over because of probably pain or scared I'm going to fall and I do hold onto Walker and I'm only in my late fifties with severe rheumatoid arthritis Twisted pelvis a hip hike duck feet and severe pronation so hopefully this will really help my walking and I'll be able to walk a little better by myself without holding on to the shopping cart and get stronger because I can't leave the house without holding onto something and is just horrible if you have any more suggestions regarding my issues I would appreciate any of them and thank you so much this video I'm glad I just stumbled upon it I'm going to try walking backwards
@@robertabrozic3278How are you doing? I had duck feet as a baby & had to wear shoes with a board attached. Are you able get to a rehab place to learn in a safe environment? I find you've got to really push Dr's to get what you need. PT is a lifesaver for many people. ❤
If you are nervous about ware you are going backwards. I walk backwards a lot at the YMCA in a room with mirrors on the wall. That way I can see ware I am going. I also follow stripes on the floor of basketball courts or parking lots. I am 67, have Multiple Sclerosis and use a cane.
@@benjaminthomas6783 , I’ve found that ppl don’t get narky with you for correcting their spelling mistakes, if you include the corrected version of the misspelled word, in a fairly bland reply. In this case, I said, “yes, it’s important to see where you’re going”. It’s subtle, right ? 😬👍
Thank you! After 2 1/2 years of sitting around way too much during Covid, I have lost a lot of my strength and even desire to move. I used to be fairly active and am working to get back what I lost. Also, I tended to hunch forward so this is going to be a great way to reset my walking.
I have the same problem. It really frustrates me. I am going to try the backward walking. I live by myself most of the time, so I need to be able to walk balanced.Very active before COVID stopped some of us seniors in our tracks(no pun intended😅😅😅😅.
Years ago I broke ankle bones, tore every ligament, every thing imaginable in a cast2solid months got sent to a sports therapy place for athletes mostly and my therapist had me walk backwards almost from the beginning. Later my ortho doc said it was a miracle I walked as well and unassisted as I did. I said no it was my therapist who had me walk backwards among other things. Much older now this reminded me of how it works on many levels. TY
I often walk backwards for every other 20 steps when going uphill. It makes uphills MUCH easier. This tip was taught to me by my parents as a little kid, 55 years ago.
If I didn’t know better, I would swear you were old and handicapped like me. 🤣😂 You obviously know how to demonstrate what those of us who are older and crippled walk like. Thank you so much for this much-needed video. My husband and I will both benefit from it. All the best. ❤
Finally! While recovering from a broken . I discovered taking a few steps backward was like a reset that improved my gait walking forward. Everyone thought I was crazy. Thanks for the validation.
I am a senior who has extreme pain due to arthritis. My tilting forward when I walk is the result of avoiding pain. I have back pain that has put me down for a week at a time. I am still refusing prescribed pain medication until I absolutely need them. I am sure you are right for many seniors. I think it's important to realize that the risk for some is great. Falling and breaking something could result in something far worse than walking with a forward tilt..
My yoga instructor, who is an older lady pointed out something that helps you look younger and taller. She said many Seniors, especially men, lift their shoulders up, cause they think it makes them look bigger and stronger, when it actually lowest their heads relative to their shoulders, and makes them look more hunched. She pointed out that if you roll your shoulders back and down, it raises your head relative to your shoulders and makes you look taller and younger.
This excellent for people who are already getting frail and lack balance. And there are many health practitioners recommending walking or running backward for a multitude of health benefits as it uses different muscles. It has helped me resolve lower back pain!
My pelvis was rotated down and twisted, and my 3rd lumbar was crushed in an accident at 19. It is super hard to stand on one foot for that reason. That is the only part of PT I didn't ace after a major reconstructive knee surgery. I live in a split level home and always throw in some backward stairs and backward walking outside for fun and to increase brain cells. I'm glad now that I am a senior.
Walking backwards also improves back pain. I do it for at least 5 to 10 minutes about 3 times a week. It helps as does a number of other PT exercises with back pain.
Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. I’m a 67 year female and have incorporated backwards walking for at least twenty years into my exercise routine. Many of the online walk at home videos incorporate backwards walking into the routine. Walking, Yoga practiceand strength training keep me in shape!
What I like about this video!, This man is not trying to sell something. A genuine man helping us elderly. I'm 80 & Will be doing this exercise, I already tried the heel to toe while my phone was on high speaker & passed☺😨, Thanks ? Mate, I could not find your name. & I Have subscribed for all updates. Cheers, Ray.
I had polio and now have post polio syndrome and I know the benefits of exercising every but I had forgotten to do these exercises. Over a year ago I had a very good Physio and she did teach me exercises so thanks for this timely reminder. 🙏🏴
Thank you. I teach senior yoga and we do this along with other balance exercises now I can tell them some of the science and mechanics and they love that. I’ll recommend this to others!
At 70 I have noticed irregularities in my movements I didn't have even a few years ago. Exercises of the kind demonstrated here can be very helpful. Living alone may also be inhibiting my movements as well. It is difficult to know sensible caution from over cautiousness at times. I use to have a balance and flexibility class at my senior center three times a week but COVID changed that.
This is great. Up until quite recently, I was very active, with good flexibility & excellent balance from over 10 years of martial arts practice (aikido). But now I have developed bad hip arthritis - and ongoing leg muscle pain (probably from fascial adhesions from an over-sedentary lifestyle). This has led to a negative cycle where it is painful to walk, but when i don't I just get worse. And I have also noticed myself doing that "elderly lady walk", bent at the hips & leaning forward. I have done a bit of backwards walking (down the hallway to my bedroom) and noticed that it is much less painful than normal walking. I've also noticed that tucking in my bum alleviates some of the forward leaning too. Anything that can help break this downwards cycle is very, very welcome, and I am determined to do this daily from now on!
Thank you so much, I am 85 years old and find I am bending forward when I walk. I just tried walking backwards and seem to have no problem. I will do it every day and hope for improvement.
That's a neat idea. I find myself learning forward sometimes. I tend to shuffle my feet when I walk. If I'm going down a short ramp I will probably lose my balance, so I always have my cane with me with. I fell a couple months ago and had a rotator cuff injury in my right arm/shoulder, and it would go a lot better if I could stop learning forward while going down.
recovering from surgery for CSM . Mine had progressed to the point that I had no strength in my legs to walk more than a few feet. I am in PT now and upper body is improving a bit . I was never athletic mostly sewing or reading and running a house and raising kids. so exercising is a new thing for me. I wish I had done more of it when I was younger. It's harder to start at 71 :)
One of the nicest things about using an elliptical trainer is that you can mimic walking backwards. When you first try this, you quickly realize that you are using different leg muscles from the ones you use moving forward.
I walked backwards for half of my glass career. Balancing a heavy expensive-just-might-kill-you object while walking backwards does exercise your balance muscles, but it does put a hurt on the low back after 40 years.
Great video. It reminds me of my hitting upon walking backwards after I strained a thigh muscle (I don't know if it was sciatica or what it was, but it was [painful to walk forwards.) I discovered that it didn't hurt when I walked backwards. I was better in a few days. The body is sure mysterious! Thanks again for your great content.
Thank you, I have neck and shoulder trouble which is very painful at times. I had whiplash from a car accident many years ago and have always suffered with neck, shoulder and back pain. I have a neck and shoulder relaxer exercise hard roll pad to stretch my spine slowly which I just bought recently, so very interested in this video and will try this walking backwards also.
Arthritis has set into to your shoulder and neck. I bet you have a herniated disc in your neck and quite possibly a torn rotator cuff. (Speaking from my experience through life, you could be different). You should find a pain management doctor, he'll fix you up with all the right pain relievers.
I have been going slowly backwards down steps since my 30's, because my kneecaps have been in rough shape since I was 25. It really does help! Never thought to do it for walking. Thanks!
Yes, thank you for concise helpful info with a good video demo. I'm 71 and for years take time to walk backwards, usually reading something upside-down at face height, for balanced walking strength with a brain challenge.
Such a good idea to do the exercise by the countertop. I heard a lot of times of backwardwalking but never did it because I thought I had to do it on the street. So thank you so much for the excellent and detailed explanation. Just subscribed.
I have peripheral neuropathy in both legs. I was totally paralyzed in both legs but 91 and 27 days in rehab got me to where I can walk 20 to 30 steps with a walker. I must lock my knees to keep from falling. Ironically, my legs used to be the most dependable part of my body. In college in the 1950 I ran the mile and cross country and ran 80 miles a week in practice. I don't just lean forward. I somehow developed a method of putting all of my upper body weight on my arms. I feel like a 4-legged animal. There is only one pt facility in the area that has a track in the ceiling allowing one to wear a harness that prevents falling. I began using it a week or so before Covid came along. They blocked my use because they didn't want to mix inpatients and outpatients. They are so busy that they stopped taking more names to their waiting list.
Thank you for your advice and video. I started falling since I was 5. Now I am 69 and I had some bad falls down the steps or when an obstacle was in the way. But I keep moving: Walking with stick or Nordic Walking sticks, or riding my bicycle.
Walking backwards can definitely be helpful with balance problems, but I would also suggest that the average 15 degree lift that is built into almost all modern footwear can also be a factor. This tilts the skeletal structure out of normal range which will, with time, cause a variety of issues.
@@bdautotech I found Altra last year, a simple running shoe for pavement use - I don't run I wear them as an everyday shoe & they've changed my life. They have good grip, very soft on the foot & extremely comfy to walk in, as good as having no shoe at all but with protection. Having had foot problems for most of my life I wish they'd been available decades ago.
@@anniemac3075 I’m with you. I have struggled with lower back, knee, and hip problems for years and doctors had no real solutions for me. I found an article in the New Yorker magazine on the problems that wearing shoes with heel lift and toe spring caused, so I began wearing barefoot style shoes and no more problems. Such a simple and common sense solution. I don’t have any regular shoes, I only wear barefoot shoes and I love them.
One more thing, some Tai Chi movements include moving backwards like repulsed monkey moves backward, which really helps with balance issues. The slow movements of Tai Chi, lifting one leg at a time while maintaining your balance are great for regaining your overall sense of balance and control.
Well my feet are so painful that I can't stand heel to toe for any length of time at all! But I am going to try this! I didn't think I leaned forward when I walk, but seeing video on our security camera, I do! Yikes! Thank you so much for this!
I'm 73 and very healthy, but l have noticed lately that I've been leaning forward somewhat when walking, not having my back straight. And low and behold I stumbled upon your video, no pun intended. Looking forward to seeing if this will help, thanks in advance.
I had difficulty on one side standing heel-to-toe, but no difficulty walking backwards--in either direction Although is have kyphosis, crumbling of the anterior of my vertebra, causing me to lean forward, I'll practice this, hoping that it helps me compensate while normal walking. Thank you..
🙏 Coincidense? a funny thought it is to see this post JUST NOW I sometimes have issues with my movements when walking. Issues, not problems. It is as if I am somehow loosing track, direction. I then am not at all dizzy and perfectly clearminded. Is it the years? (hitting 86 in August) 😊 🙏
I had a Total Knee Replacement 8 weeks ago. This exact excercise was suggested on the Face Book page to loosen the stiffness in new knees. I have bad posture as well. Thank you for posting this video.
My entire life I was a fanatic about posture. Since I have become older, I've noticed I'm starting to walk bending forward. I don't even know I am doing it. My grandson reminds me to stand up straight because I asked him to do that. I try to stay more aware so I can keep my posture erect. I'm now, less often in a bent position. Being aware helps also. Taking the initiative to be aware might take some work, but so does this exercise. I wonder why we tend to bend over like that in our later years? It just boggles my mind.
@@marthad9461 I wouldn't think so because when we look down, we are bent from the neck but the elderly, me included, bend from the waist or back. At least that's what I think.
My yoga instructor is an older woman and she gave us a great tip for better posture and appearing younger. She said that many older people, esp. older men tend to lift their shoulders up when they walk. They think that this is making them look taller and stronger. But the opposite is true. cause when you lift your shoulders up, your head and face drop down, making you more stooped. She said it you want to look taller and stronger, roll your shoulders back and down, and concentrate instead on lifting your head up.
So glad you got right to the point! I should be able to do this. But I need another hip surgery and it is painful, and do not se anything at all that would hurt that. Would you? Also, I have to later have knee done, but have had back done too, over the years. This has been horrible in many ways as I used to dance and then the problems came and now all of this is happening all the time. Lost my joy, when I was not any longer dancing! Must get back to it some how! I mean dancing, I guess at home, as do not really go places. I always did just tap, jazz and ballet until I was married from 3 yrs old and taught for a time. But after marriage stayed home and just did it to relax and have fun. Of course, I worked and had children too! People are shocked , as that a am not able to be as active now, I am sort of too young for all of this! I am only 73 yrs old and know people in their 80's and 90's who can still move mountains and here I am having surgery every year and then I end up stooping at times, as of being so tired and in pain, Severe Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative discs, Fibromyalgia, MS, and all the many more we can name, can bring you down. It is hard, but thank goodness you are able to help us get maybe back some of the dignity and ability to keep our balance better! ''' Thank you''''' so much for taking the time to show us this well hidden secret! (Never thought of this one to do) Think we are a little afraid, so holding something on to things a bit is best at first, or as long as needed.
I walked backwards REAL FAST while crossing the street a couple months ago to avoid a car coming at me at high speed... I think it triggered my vertigo & I fell backwards between 2 parked cars, landed on my (S-curve scoliosis) back on the road, also on my wrist (OUCH!), broke it in many places; ended up with a titanium plate, screws, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)... frankly, I don't recommend it; maybe read a good book instead, listen to some good music, take a nap, really anything; now PT twice a week; lots of painful homework. I'm 73.
I have FSH muscular dystrophy ( Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) so I tend to lean forward a lot due to the weakness in my muscles. I walk with a rollator . My head always drops forward. I know this problem is linked to my disease but I wonder if this idea of walking backwards with the safety measures mentioned in your video could help me. At the gym I practice a walking pattern with a private trainer, a kinesiologist ( shifting weight on my legs , elongating my torso and lifting my head at the same time etc ) but when I saw your video I thought your recommendation could also help me in spite of my FSHD. Thank you.
I've been using walking skin poles for balance while I'm practicing walking backwards. Helps a lot. After awhile i'm able to hold the poles in my hand but not rely on them
I’m 80 years and lately experiencing leaning forward walking, currently I’m reducing my 5 kilometer road walk to 3 kilometer. I have injured my left knee on November 28 last year, after 3 months with the physiotherapy I am now back on the road. I will try your backwards walking, thank you.
I am 79, two metal hips and a metal knee and arthritis. I not only walk backwards but I go down steps backward as it hurts less. I live in a 4 level townhouse. You are absolutely right, it makes you straighten up. It is hard not to look down, as I live in a total cobblestone town with curbs as high as my hips, so looking down is a survival instinct. Backwards works!!!
This is great. I'm definitely going to do that several times a day. I was watching the coronation and noticed that queen Camilla walks leaning forward too
I'm 79 years old and I’ve had severe walking problems caused by nerve damage from chemotherapy. I ended up leaning forward but I’ve found a super way to get over it. I walk with my hands behind my back, together. It’s super! It makes me stand up straight and I have no trouble seeing the ground and taking care of seeing what’s in front of me of me. It has changed the way I walk. Backwards just doesn’t work for me, but simply putting my hands behind my back works like magic! Try it. It’s like magic!
😊😊😊😊U😅p😮
I’m
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What a great video for a change. No silly talking, no time wasting introductions, just straight to the point - Thank you! Wonderful video and great information
Absolutely, well said!!!
I agree, I just move on when there’s all the unnecessary palaver.
Yes, right to the subject ❤
Agreed, Excellent advice. No malarkey or faffing around. MG - The English Lady
@@margaretgreene1929 Yeah. Almost a miracle hahaha. Just a video that makes good sense.
Last week I fell for the 3rd time while struggling not to lean forward while walking down a slanted parking lot. That's 3 rides in an ambulance and 3 visits to the ER. The first time I was walking down my driveway at night in the rain. After falling I could not stand up and had to crawl on my hands and knees back up to my house. Last time was in a shopping center parking lot where I smashed into a cart corral at warp speed. Until now I did not know leaning forward while walking at age 75 was an actual thing! No doctor has mentioned this possibility to me. Thank you!
I'm red
2:26
I am a senior. I am 4 days a week at the gym. I walk backwards on a treadmill, on low speed. Started with 1 min,now I walk backwards 10-12 min without problem.😊
You Go, Roza! ❤
I was surprised to find that I can walk backwards without no problem.
However, I cannot complete your prerequisite exercise walking heel to toe. In fact I cannot even stand balanced, with in a heel to toe position. I wonder if my Parkinson's is attacking a specific part of my brain.
Great idea! I will start doing this. Thanks! 🐜
@@jimheywood9232how are you now? The heel to toe position is hard for me since I've had both hips replaced, but it's close enough.😊
I love doing that. It makes my back feeling really good, like a self massage. I walk daily 2 hours but intermittently I do backwards for 200 steps, off on during my walk. It's a bit imbalance at first but when you get used to it it's enjoyable. Very important is how you return back the position from walking forward to backwards. For beginners, when you change from forward to backwards and vice versa, completely stop walking and turn around slowly in a stable position of your feet and legs, that prevent you from losing balance and fall. One more thing, when walking backwards, do not stretch your legs, but bend your knees,that make it easier and flexible, per my experience. Am doing that for many years so It became a second nature. Backward walking also improve your glutes spine and back. 70 years old, sporty and athletic all my life, never stop.
Very informative and useful.
👍+Subscribed 💕
😊
Will try this
Amazing. I am only 54 and still walking backward without any problem, but this post is gold. Thank you
Thank You for that information I will definitely do what you recommend 👍
Mary, Thank you for this post. I'll give it a go.
Thank you for this. I am 87 years old and one of those long haulers......I don't have very good balance and use a cane most of the time......the walking backward is something I've never considered....I'm going to start it with my walker.....I don't use it anymore but I'm going to get it out and do it with the walking backward....
I'm in my mid 60's and walking backwards helps my knee pain! I live on a farm and I often carry a slop bucket or push a wheel barrow across 4 acres of field w/a slight downhill slope to a wooded gully. I walk backwards all the way back up to the barn. I started doing this about 3 years ago and my knees are getting stronger and stronger and I'm having significantly less pain. I'm taking no pain medications at all.
This is good to know! I've recently developed knee arthritis and consequently weakness in that joint. I'm going to use backwards walking as an experiment! Thanks!
Wow. I hadn't thought of that on trips up my hill!
This is exactly what I need because I find myself leaning forward more and more as I walk, which discourages me from walking. I am going to try this so I can walk straight up once again. Thank you so much for your video.
I have been doing this for awhile now. It is good for the back of the legs too. Walking backwards shifts your whole middle section to a more correct position.
Wow, I just stumbled on this. I walk forward all the time, my head is always bent down. I am 71 but have always been fit. However the last 5 yrs I moved to BC (near my kids) and am not as active now. Iknow I have aged physically in that time. I try do be conscience of it but I lose it as quickly. Thank you for this channel.
This is the first video I really saw a regarding walking backwards cuz I do walk forward bent over because of probably pain or scared I'm going to fall and I do hold onto Walker and I'm only in my late fifties with severe rheumatoid arthritis Twisted pelvis a hip hike duck feet and severe pronation so hopefully this will really help my walking and I'll be able to walk a little better by myself without holding on to the shopping cart and get stronger because I can't leave the house without holding onto something and is just horrible if you have any more suggestions regarding my issues I would appreciate any of them and thank you so much this video I'm glad I just stumbled upon it I'm going to try walking backwards
@@robertabrozic3278How are you doing? I had duck feet as a baby & had to wear shoes with a board attached. Are you able get to a rehab place to learn in a safe environment? I find you've got to really push Dr's to get what you need. PT is a lifesaver for many people. ❤
If you are nervous about ware you are going backwards. I walk backwards a lot at the YMCA in a room with mirrors on the wall. That way I can see ware I am going. I also follow stripes on the floor of basketball courts or parking lots. I am 67, have Multiple Sclerosis and use a cane.
I am nearly 63yrs old , have MS and walk with a walker.
I am going to definitely give this a try now I have your useful tips....thank you.
Where.
Yes, it’s Important to see where you are going 👍
@@benjaminthomas6783 , I’ve found that ppl don’t get narky with you for correcting their spelling mistakes, if you include the corrected version of the misspelled word, in a fairly bland reply. In this case, I said, “yes, it’s important to see where you’re going”. It’s subtle, right ? 😬👍
Freaking Grammer police. Smh
This is the first video I have seen that actually makes sense for a senior to try. He shows how slowly some seniors really do move.
Thank you1
Thank you! After 2 1/2 years of sitting around way too much during Covid, I have lost a lot of my strength and even desire to move. I used to be fairly active and am working to get back what I lost. Also, I tended to hunch forward so this is going to be a great way to reset my walking.
The exact same thing has happened to me. I hope and pray both of us and anyone else this has happened to gets back to normal! God bless you all.
Holly uck where’s the f
Yup... me too!! Let's do this!!
I have the same problem. It really frustrates me. I am going to try the backward walking. I live by myself most of the time, so I need to be able to walk balanced.Very active before COVID stopped some of us seniors in our tracks(no pun intended😅😅😅😅.
Years ago I broke ankle bones, tore every ligament, every thing imaginable in a cast2solid months got sent to a sports therapy place for athletes mostly and my therapist had me walk backwards almost from the beginning. Later my ortho doc said it was a miracle I walked as well and unassisted as I did. I said no it was my therapist who had me walk backwards among other things. Much older now this reminded me of how it works on many levels. TY
I often walk backwards for every other 20 steps when going uphill. It makes uphills MUCH easier. This tip was taught to me by my parents as a little kid, 55 years ago.
I noticably started leaning forward after having to use a walker and then a cane after a surgery. I'm definitely going to try this! Thank you!
If I didn’t know better, I would swear you were old and handicapped like me. 🤣😂 You obviously know how to demonstrate what those of us who are older and crippled walk like. Thank you so much for this much-needed video. My husband and I will both benefit from it. All the best. ❤
Finally! While recovering from a broken . I discovered taking a few steps backward was like a reset that improved my gait walking forward. Everyone thought I was crazy. Thanks for the validation.
I am a senior who has extreme pain due to arthritis. My tilting forward when I walk is the result of avoiding pain. I have back pain that has put me down for a week at a time. I am still refusing prescribed pain medication until I absolutely need them. I am sure you are right for many seniors. I think it's important to realize that the risk for some is great. Falling and breaking something could result in something far worse than walking with a forward tilt..
I use lidocaine patches on my back.
@@michele21auntiemhow do you get them and from I ask this because I'm not sure if you're getting them from a drugstore or a doctor's prescription
@@kathymehta1665 i get a script from doc for Lidoderm patches. They come as 4 x 6" but you can cut in half. They last 24 hrs.
My yoga instructor, who is an older lady pointed out something that helps you look younger and taller. She said many Seniors, especially men, lift their shoulders up, cause they think it makes them look bigger and stronger, when it actually lowest their heads relative to their shoulders, and makes them look more hunched. She pointed out that if you roll your shoulders back and down, it raises your head relative to your shoulders and makes you look taller and younger.
Wow! Thanks for sharing!!
This excellent for people who are already getting frail and lack balance. And there are many health practitioners recommending walking or running backward for a multitude of health benefits as it uses different muscles. It has helped me resolve lower back pain!
My pelvis was rotated down and twisted, and my 3rd lumbar was crushed in an accident at 19. It is super hard to stand on one foot for that reason. That is the only part of PT I didn't ace after a major reconstructive knee surgery. I live in a split level home and always throw in some backward stairs and backward walking outside for fun and to increase brain cells. I'm glad now that I am a senior.
Thank you very much for this important. information. I am going to try it myself, starting today.
My deepest appreciation from Miami.
Walking backwards also improves back pain. I do it for at least 5 to 10 minutes about 3 times a week. It helps as does a number of other PT exercises with back pain.
Because it activates your sleeping glutes ❤
Why would you want to improve back pain? Doesn't it hurt bad enough?
@@leftylou6070 😂😂
I just suscribed , I am 86 years old and I really need all the help I can en get.
Thank you for a very helpful and informative video. I’m a 67 year female and have incorporated backwards walking for at least twenty years into my exercise routine. Many of the online walk at home videos incorporate backwards walking into the routine. Walking, Yoga practiceand strength training keep me in shape!
Now that I think about…it’s part of the routine at the YMCA for grannies. I just didn’t know what it was doing.
Righteousness no
Great to know this. I’m starting immediately.,
What I like about this video!, This man is not trying to sell something. A genuine man helping us elderly. I'm 80 & Will be doing this exercise, I already tried the heel to toe while my phone was on high speaker & passed☺😨, Thanks ? Mate, I could not find your name. & I Have subscribed for all updates. Cheers, Ray.
I had polio and now have post polio syndrome and I know the benefits of exercising every but I had forgotten to do these exercises. Over a year ago I had a very good Physio and she did teach me exercises so thanks for this timely reminder.
🙏🏴
Thank you sir I am disable 68 years old your vedeos are very useful to me
Thank you. I teach senior yoga and we do this along with other balance exercises now I can tell them some of the science and mechanics and they love that. I’ll recommend this to others!
thank you!
At 70 I have noticed irregularities in my movements I didn't have even a few years ago. Exercises of the kind demonstrated here can be very helpful. Living alone may also be inhibiting my movements as well. It is difficult to know sensible caution from over cautiousness at times. I use to have a balance and flexibility class at my senior center three times a week but COVID changed that.
This is great. Up until quite recently, I was very active, with good flexibility & excellent balance from over 10 years of martial arts practice (aikido). But now I have developed bad hip arthritis - and ongoing leg muscle pain (probably from fascial adhesions from an over-sedentary lifestyle). This has led to a negative cycle where it is painful to walk, but when i don't I just get worse.
And I have also noticed myself doing that "elderly lady walk", bent at the hips & leaning forward.
I have done a bit of backwards walking (down the hallway to my bedroom) and noticed that it is much less painful than normal walking.
I've also noticed that tucking in my bum alleviates some of the forward leaning too.
Anything that can help break this downwards cycle is very, very welcome, and I am determined to do this daily from now on!
I started leaning forward to watch the ground to make sure I didn’t fall on uneven ground.
Makes you more likely to fall!
The same Anne , the foothpath is uneven . I don't kerb down my spine like a Notre Dame hunch , but I tried to avoid falling
Me too I have weak ankles...4 sprains and 2 fractures in a dozen years.
@@qigongworks wrong
Me, to. Our pavements are simply shocking.
Thank you so much, I am 85 years old and find I am bending forward when I walk. I just tried walking backwards and seem to have no problem. I will do it every day and hope for improvement.
Please let me know if it helps!
Thank you for generously sharing these wonderful exercises
Thank you. Good advice! I have a geriatric practice and I can attest that falls are one of the most common and serious events I see.
I'm 63 , although I don't have any problems with posture or equilibrium yet , I always put much important on exercise and walking .
Fantastic trick. I had never heard of it, I will start practicing right away. Thank you so much.
That's a neat idea. I find myself learning forward sometimes. I tend to shuffle my feet when I walk. If I'm going down a short ramp I will probably lose my balance, so I always have my cane with me with. I fell a couple months ago and had a rotator cuff injury in my right arm/shoulder, and it would go a lot better if I could stop learning forward while going down.
I had never done this before, but was able to do it immediately. It made me feel good!
It also helps with balance, a great exercise 😊
I thought this would be very easy but I had to pay close attention in order to not fall. Thank you.
Your calm demeanor is reassuring. Thank you.
Thank you...I will try it....I am 80 and walk like an oooold woman.
Stop it!! You don't look old!!!
Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain where we currently walk backwards! 😊
Cool! I like it! I've been good at doing side-stepping, but it never occurred to me to walk backwards!
Thank you, I've just realized I am leaning forward for some reason, so I am going to start doing this today!❤❤
Thank you for this video. I am going to do this every day, and will let you know of my results. I think you have saved my life, already.
Glad it was helpful!
recovering from surgery for CSM . Mine had progressed to the point that I had no strength in my legs to walk more than a few feet. I am in PT now and upper body is improving a bit . I was never athletic mostly sewing or reading and running a house and raising kids. so exercising is a new thing for me. I wish I had done more of it when I was younger. It's harder to start at 71 :)
I hope you're doing well!!!❤
One of the nicest things about using an elliptical trainer is that you can mimic walking backwards. When you first try this, you quickly realize that you are using different leg muscles from the ones you use moving forward.
I walked backwards for half of my glass career.
Balancing a heavy expensive-just-might-kill-you object while walking backwards does exercise your balance muscles, but it does put a hurt on the low back after 40 years.
Great video. It reminds me of my hitting upon walking backwards after I strained a thigh muscle (I don't know if it was sciatica or what it was, but it was [painful to walk forwards.) I discovered that it didn't hurt when I walked backwards. I was better in a few days. The body is sure mysterious! Thanks again for your great content.
Wonderful. I've had several knee surgeries, and this was revolutionary for me. Thank you, sir. ❤
Wow thank you I needed this blessings from Pennsylvania 🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you, I have neck and shoulder trouble which is very painful at times. I had whiplash from a car accident many years ago and have always suffered with neck, shoulder and back pain. I have a neck and shoulder relaxer exercise hard roll pad to stretch my spine slowly which I just bought recently, so very interested in this video and will try this walking backwards also.
Arthritis has set into to your shoulder and neck. I bet you have a herniated disc in your neck and quite possibly a torn rotator cuff. (Speaking from my experience through life, you could be different). You should find a pain management doctor, he'll fix you up with all the right pain relievers.
Excellent. Never heard this before. Definitely will try it 3x day for a month and will see what happens then. Thank you.
Best of luck!
When you are walking on a downward incline, walking backwards not only improves stability but also reduces strain on knees.
I have been going slowly backwards down steps since my 30's, because my kneecaps have been in rough shape since I was 25. It really does help! Never thought to do it for walking. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing valuable helpful TIPS. I appreciate you greatly!
Yes, thank you for concise helpful info with a good video demo. I'm 71 and for years take time to walk backwards, usually reading something upside-down at face height, for balanced walking strength with a brain challenge.
Love your humor!!
Such a good idea to do the exercise by the countertop. I heard a lot of times of backwardwalking but never did it because I thought I had to do it on the street. So thank you so much for the excellent and detailed explanation. Just subscribed.
Thank you, Sweetheart…. I am doing this. 👍🏼😘
You are so welcome
Thank You! I'm going to try this! It makes sense😊
I also look at the ground to avoid any mishaps. Tripped up a few times when looking straight ahead not seeing the hazard
I have peripheral neuropathy in both legs. I was totally paralyzed in both legs but 91 and 27 days in rehab got me to where I can walk 20 to 30 steps with a walker. I must lock my knees to keep from falling. Ironically, my legs used to be the most dependable part of my body. In college in the 1950 I ran the mile and cross country and ran 80 miles a week in practice. I don't just lean forward. I somehow developed a method of putting all of my upper body weight on my arms. I feel like a 4-legged animal. There is only one pt facility in the area that has a track in the ceiling allowing one to wear a harness that prevents falling. I began using it a week or so before Covid came along. They blocked my use because they didn't want to mix inpatients and outpatients. They are so busy that they stopped taking more names to their waiting list.
A small exercise with big benefits. Thank You for sharing!🙏
My pleasure 😊
Thank you for your advice and video. I started falling since I was 5. Now I am 69 and I had some bad falls down the steps or when an obstacle was in the way. But I keep moving: Walking with stick or Nordic Walking sticks, or riding my bicycle.
Great tip I will be trying this, thank you.
Walking backwards can definitely be helpful with balance problems, but I would also suggest that the average 15 degree lift that is built into almost all modern footwear can also be a factor. This tilts the skeletal structure out of normal range which will, with time, cause a variety of issues.
Good reason to wear zero drop footwear.
@@anniemac3075 I like Zero and Vibram, have a pair of both. 😁
@@bdautotech I found Altra last year, a simple running shoe for pavement use - I don't run I wear them as an everyday shoe & they've changed my life. They have good grip, very soft on the foot & extremely comfy to walk in, as good as having no shoe at all but with protection. Having had foot problems for most of my life I wish they'd been available decades ago.
@@anniemac3075 I’m with you. I have struggled with lower back, knee, and hip problems for years and doctors had no real solutions for me. I found an article in the New Yorker magazine on the problems that wearing shoes with heel lift and toe spring caused, so I began wearing barefoot style shoes and no more problems. Such a simple and common sense solution.
I don’t have any regular shoes, I only wear barefoot shoes and I love them.
One more thing, some Tai Chi movements include moving backwards like repulsed monkey moves backward, which really helps with balance issues. The slow movements of Tai Chi, lifting one leg at a time while maintaining your balance are great for regaining your overall sense of balance and control.
😮OMG I thought I wS the only one to experience this 😅
Thanks 😊
Well my feet are so painful that I can't stand heel to toe for any length of time at all! But I am going to try this! I didn't think I leaned forward when I walk, but seeing video on our security camera, I do! Yikes! Thank you so much for this!
Thank you!
I'm 73 and very healthy, but l have noticed lately that I've been leaning forward somewhat when walking, not having my back straight. And low and behold I stumbled upon your video, no pun intended. Looking forward to seeing if this will help, thanks in advance.
Let me know if it works for you!
I had difficulty on one side standing heel-to-toe, but no difficulty walking backwards--in either direction Although is have kyphosis, crumbling of the anterior of my vertebra, causing me to lean forward, I'll practice this, hoping that it helps me compensate while normal walking. Thank you..
🙏 Coincidense? a funny thought it is to see this post JUST NOW I sometimes have issues with my movements when walking. Issues, not problems. It is as if I am somehow loosing track, direction. I then am not at all dizzy and perfectly clearminded. Is it the years? (hitting 86 in August) 😊 🙏
I had a Total Knee Replacement 8 weeks ago. This exact excercise was suggested on the Face Book page to loosen the stiffness in new knees. I have bad posture as well. Thank you for posting this video.
I’ve been walking backwards at the gym because I saw other old guys doing it. I’m going to do it longer now I’ve seen this video. I’m 73.
I lean forward to see what I'm stepping in to. A wrist breaking fall taught me to do that.
Interesting. Will give it a try. Thank you for posting.
Fantastic video this will help a lot of people if they do what the doctor says.
Thanks so much Dr. these exercises will be a life saving for us , God bless you 🙏
My entire life I was a fanatic about posture. Since I have become older, I've noticed I'm starting to walk bending forward. I don't even know I am doing it. My grandson reminds me to stand up straight because I asked him to do that. I try to stay more aware so I can keep my posture erect. I'm now, less often in a bent position. Being aware helps also. Taking the initiative to be aware might take some work, but so does this exercise. I wonder why we tend to bend over like that in our later years? It just boggles my mind.
Is it because we're looking down to make sure we don't trip on something? I try to send my gaze farther down the sidewalk.
@@marthad9461 I wouldn't think so because when we look down, we are bent from the neck but the elderly, me included, bend from the waist or back. At least that's what I think.
@@bedtimebiblechat7152 ,
Good morning
Very good exercise thanks for sharing
I never heard of this, but I’m game…I’ll try it!
Whenever I have access to a pool, I'll spend some time walking backwards. Helps with back pain, too.
VERY HELPFUL AS I HAVE HAD A HABIT OF LEANING FORWARD MANY YEARS HOPEFULLY WILL IMPROVE MY POSTURE❤❤❤😊😊😊THANKS
Thank you. I will start this exercise immediately.
God bless you , your sharing ❤
Cool who knew that was the answer! Thank you ! 🙏🙏🙏
I’m going to try it. Thank you.
My yoga instructor is an older woman and she gave us a great tip for better posture and appearing younger. She said that many older people, esp. older men tend to lift their shoulders up when they walk. They think that this is making them look taller and stronger. But the opposite is true. cause when you lift your shoulders up, your head and face drop down, making you more stooped. She said it you want to look taller and stronger, roll your shoulders back and down, and concentrate instead on lifting your head up.
This guy knows his stuff😊
So glad you got right to the point! I should be able to do this. But I need another hip surgery and it is painful, and do not se anything at all that would hurt that. Would you?
Also, I have to later have knee done, but have had back done too, over the years. This has been horrible in many ways as I used to dance and then the problems came and now all of this is happening all the time. Lost my joy, when I was not any longer dancing! Must get back to it some how! I mean dancing, I guess at home, as do not really go places. I always did just tap, jazz and ballet until I was married from 3 yrs old and taught for a time. But after marriage stayed home and just did it to relax and have fun. Of course, I worked and had children too! People are shocked , as that a am not able to be as active now,
I am sort of too young for all of this! I am only 73 yrs old and know people in their 80's and 90's who can still move mountains and here I am having surgery every year and then I end up stooping at times, as of being so tired and in pain,
Severe Arthritis, Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative discs, Fibromyalgia, MS, and all the many more we can name, can bring you down. It is hard, but thank goodness you are able to help us get maybe back some of the dignity and ability to keep our balance better! ''' Thank you''''' so much for taking the time to show us this well hidden secret! (Never thought of this one to do) Think we are a little afraid, so holding something on to things a bit is best at first, or as long as needed.
I hope you're feeling better!!❤
@@MyOver50 Thank you!
I walked backwards REAL FAST while crossing the street a couple months ago to avoid a car coming at me at high speed... I think it triggered my vertigo & I fell backwards between 2 parked cars, landed on my (S-curve scoliosis) back on the road, also on my wrist (OUCH!), broke it in many places; ended up with a titanium plate, screws, CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)... frankly, I don't recommend it; maybe read a good book instead, listen to some good music, take a nap, really anything; now PT twice a week; lots of painful homework. I'm 73.
I have FSH muscular dystrophy ( Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy) so I tend to lean forward a lot due to the weakness in my muscles. I walk with a rollator . My head always drops forward. I know this problem is linked to my disease but I wonder if this idea of walking backwards with the safety measures mentioned in your video could help me. At the gym I practice a walking pattern with a private trainer, a kinesiologist ( shifting weight on my legs , elongating my torso and lifting my head at the same time etc ) but when I saw your video I thought your recommendation could also help me in spite of my FSHD. Thank you.
You have the BEST videos! Thank you😊
I've been using walking skin poles for balance while I'm practicing walking backwards. Helps a lot. After awhile i'm able to hold the poles in my hand but not rely on them
I’m 80 years and lately experiencing leaning forward walking, currently I’m reducing my 5 kilometer road walk to 3 kilometer.
I have injured my left knee on November 28 last year, after 3 months with the physiotherapy I am now back on the road.
I will try your backwards walking, thank you.
I am 79, two metal hips and a metal knee and arthritis. I not only walk backwards but I go down steps backward as it hurts less. I live in a 4 level townhouse. You are absolutely right, it makes you straighten up. It is hard not to look down, as I live in a total cobblestone town with curbs as high as my hips, so looking down is a survival instinct. Backwards works!!!
This is great. I'm definitely going to do that several times a day. I was watching the coronation and noticed that queen Camilla walks leaning forward too
Thank you for sharing great advice