Hi friends,

You've taken millions of steps in your life, but there's a good chance you're doing it inefficiently.

Walking is something we've been doing since we were about one year old, but nobody teaches us how to do it. We just figure it out and keep going.

There are many ways to get from point A to B, but some are more efficient and better for the body than others.

One question I ask myself occasionally when I'm walking is, “Am I pulling or pushing myself forward?”

It may not seem like much, but this can impact how efficient you are when moving and how well you coordinate your body.

Treating patients every week, I've come to find that many people are "pulling" themselves forward. They swing their leg forward and rely heavily on their hip flexors and hamstrings to bring their body along.

People who emphasize the "push" during walking use their glutes, hamstrings, and calves to propel themselves forward in a more efficient manner. They actively drive off their back foot.

Here's what the movement should look like: Your heel strikes the ground first. Then your toes hit the ground, and your body continues to move forward while your foot stays on the ground. Finally and most importantly, you should think about pushing through your big toe to push yourself forward.