8-shaped walking: Benefits of Infinite Walk and How to do it

8-shaped walking: Benefits of Infinite Walk and How to do it | XpertsReviews.com

Figure 8 walking engages both the body and mind, providing several benefits for physical and mental health. Here’s everything you need to know about walking to infinity.

Walking is one of the most effective workouts because it helps lose weight, improves cardiovascular health, boosts mobility and wards off stress. If you find yourself sitting for hours at work, it’s time to get your body moving to stay fit and healthy. To enjoy the health benefits of walking, do it with a free mind, without any distractions. You can also try the figure 8 walking technique in your fitness routine. This is a simple exercise in which you walk along an imaginary figure 8 path that resembles the infinity symbol. This low-impact activity may provide health benefits such as improved blood pressure and digestion. Read on to learn everything about the figure 8 walk and how to do it correctly.

What is figure 8 walking?

The figure 8 walking technique is also known as infinite walking or Siddha walking. It is a simple and effective workout that has benefits for physical and mental health. In this form of walking, you have to create an imaginary figure 8 path with your steps. Think of the figure eight lying flat. You have to walk along the curves and loops of these eight, turning your body slightly as you go, according to 2018 research published in the International journal of physical education, sport and health. This simple change adds a new dimension to your walking, engaging different muscles and challenging your coordination a little more. This is a low-impact exercise that’s easy on your joints, but can still give you a good full-body workout.

Figure 8 walking is good for weight loss. Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.

What are the benefits of figure 8 walking?

Here are some of the potential benefits of figure 8 walking:

1. May Regulate Blood Pressure

Walking is beneficial for the heart because it lowers blood pressure, preventing the heart from working too hard, according to a 2018 study published in the Peer If you have high blood pressure, it may be beneficial to incorporate the figure 8 walking method into your fitness routine.

2. Helps to lose weight

Walking in a figure 8 provides many benefits, including weight loss and muscle toning. “When you walk in a figure 8, you sweat. Walking for a long period also uses energy. However, as the walking progresses, it increasingly relies on stored fat to provide sustained energy. This ensures that the extra fat does not remain in the body. Instead, it is used as an energy source and helps in weight loss,” says fitness expert Yash Agarwal.

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3. May Reduce Stress

According to a 2017 study published in the Stress and health journal, walking can be an effective method of short-term stress management. According to the study, walking may be even more beneficial when combined with relaxation techniques. So, walking at a brisk pace can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, the concentration required to maintain the figure 8 walking pattern can be a form of moving meditation. This can help you stay present in the moment and reduce stress by distracting you from daily worries.

4. Increases muscle engagement

A figure 8 route uses more muscles than walking in a straight line. “Bends work the core muscles of the abdomen and back, promoting stability and posture. It also challenges your legs in new ways, working different muscle groups as you navigate the curves,” says the expert.

5. May Relieve Pain

According to a 2018 study published in the International journal of physical education, sport and health, walking in a figure 8 can help relieve arthritis and knee pain. The moderate twisting motion can improve joint mobility and flexibility, helping to relieve pain.

6. Improves coordination

Maintaining the figure 8 walking pattern engages your mind and improves your coordination. “You’ll use different muscle groups simultaneously and coordinate your turns, which can benefit your overall balance and agility,” says the expert.

A woman doing the figure 8 walk outdoors
Do the figure 8 walk in a park. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How to do the figure 8 walk?

Here are the steps to do the figure 8 walk:

  • Find a spacious space, such as a park or gym, with enough room to walk in a figure eight.
  • Start with a warm-up to prepare your muscles for exercise. Perform dynamic stretches or walk at a moderate pace for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Start moving forward in a “figure 8” shape using the path you have chosen. Keep your stride natural and relaxed.
  • Stand straight with your shoulders back, activate your core muscles and swing your arms freely to generate momentum.
  • Breathe deeply and rhythmically as you walk, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
  • To challenge yourself, increase your walking speed or incorporate periods of vigorous walking or jogging into your routine.
  • After your figure 8 walking session, gradually reduce your pace and finish with a cool-down exercise. Static stretching can help reduce muscle soreness and increase flexibility.

What are the side effects of figure 8 walking?

Here are some of the side effects of figure 8 walking:

  • Like any exercise, excessive repetition can lead to overuse injuries, such as strains or sprains.
  • The twisting motion may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some people, especially those prone to motion sickness.
  • If not done correctly, figure 8 walking can contribute to muscle imbalances, leading to discomfort or injury.

Who should avoid figure 8 walking?

A figure 8 walking pattern is generally safe, but some people need to take precautions to avoid problems. Additionally, it is important to consult your doctor before following the figure 8 walking pattern.

  • People with balance problems should avoid walking in a figure 8 to avoid falls or injury.
  • Pregnant women should consult a healthcare professional before embarking on any new exercise routine, including figure 8 walking.
  • People with severe joint pain or arthritis should approach figure 8 walking with caution, as it can exacerbate discomfort.

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