What Walking Every Day Does To Your Body & Life! - Heal Pain, Posture & Longevity | Helen Hall

Added: Oct 3, 2024

The Value of Movement Over Exercise

Hall emphasizes the importance of viewing walking as a fundamental movement rather than merely exercise. She argues that many people prioritize convenience, such as parking close to store entrances, over the benefits of walking. Walking, as a whole-body movement, engages various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and even the head, which contributes to overall health. The act of walking provides numerous benefits, including internal organ massage and improved circulation, which are often overlooked in favor of more intense forms of exercise.

The Neglect of Walking

Hall reflects on how walking has been neglected in modern society, primarily due to the perception that exercise is solely about burning calories. Many individuals feel pressured to engage in high-intensity workouts rather than appreciating the value of simple movement. This mindset leads to a lack of awareness regarding the innate benefits of walking, such as its role in maintaining bodily functions and overall well-being. She highlights the importance of understanding that walking is an efficient movement that does not require excessive energy expenditure.

The Connection Between Head Position and Pain

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the relationship between head position and various bodily pains. Hall explains that a forward head posture can dramatically increase the effective weight of the head, leading to strain on the neck and other areas of the body. For instance, a head that is tilted forward by just 15 degrees can feel as heavy as 12 kilograms instead of the actual weight of 5 kilograms. This added strain can manifest as pain in the neck, back, or even knees, illustrating how interconnected the body is.

Hall encourages individuals to assess their head position and make adjustments to alleviate pain. She notes that many people are unaware of their posture until they experience discomfort, which often leads to a reactive approach to health rather than a proactive one. By becoming aware of their head position and making small adjustments, individuals can improve their overall movement efficiency and potentially eliminate pain.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

Hall emphasizes the need for self-awareness in movement. She suggests that individuals should regularly assess their walking patterns and posture. By observing their movements, they can identify areas of restriction or imbalance. This self-assessment can be as simple as noticing how far one can rotate their head while walking or standing. The goal is to cultivate a deeper understanding of one’s body and how it moves, which can lead to improved health outcomes.

The Role of the Lymphatic System

The discussion also touches on the lymphatic system and its connection to movement. Hall explains that the lymphatic system is responsible for removing metabolic waste from the body. Walking plays a crucial role in promoting lymphatic circulation, as the act of walking helps pump lymph fluid back toward the heart. This connection underscores the importance of regular movement, as it supports not only cardiovascular health but also the body’s ability to detoxify itself.

Foot Wiping: A Simple Yet Effective Practice

Foot wiping is introduced as a practical exercise that can enhance foot function and overall movement. Hall describes how this simple practice involves vigorously rubbing one foot against a textured surface while balancing on the other leg. This action not only stimulates the sensory receptors in the feet but also engages the muscles necessary for balance and stability. The benefits of foot wiping extend beyond the feet; individuals often report improvements in hip and back pain as well.

Hall notes that the practice of foot wiping can help awaken the feet, which have become desensitized due to modern footwear and lifestyle choices. By incorporating this exercise into daily routines, individuals can enhance their connection to the ground and improve their overall movement efficiency.

The Interconnectedness of the Body

Throughout the conversation, Hall emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body. She explains that issues in one area can lead to problems in another, and that movement is a holistic experience. For example, a person may experience knee pain that stems from poor foot mechanics or a misaligned head position. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of addressing the body as a whole rather than focusing solely on isolated symptoms.

The Impact of Modern Lifestyle on Movement

Hall discusses how modern lifestyles contribute to poor movement patterns. Many people spend significant time sitting, which can lead to tightness and restrictions in the body. This sedentary behavior can create a cycle of discomfort and pain, making it essential to incorporate regular movement into daily life. She advocates for a more mindful approach to movement, encouraging individuals to prioritize walking and other forms of natural movement as part of their daily routines.

The Role of Technology in Movement Assessment

The conversation also touches on the use of technology in assessing movement. Hall mentions her advanced motion analysis technology, Doris, which allows for precise measurements of movement patterns. This technology provides valuable insights into how individuals move and can help identify areas for improvement. By utilizing such tools, practitioners can offer more tailored interventions to help clients achieve better movement efficiency and reduce pain.

The Importance of Individualized Approaches

Hall stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to movement and health. Each individual has unique needs and experiences, and what works for one person may not work for another. She encourages listeners to explore their own bodies and find what feels best for them. This individualized approach is crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of one’s movement patterns and achieving optimal health.

The Role of the Pelvic Floor

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around stress incontinence, a common issue among women that often goes unaddressed due to embarrassment. Hall notes that many women have tried traditional methods, such as Kegel exercises, without success. She explains that the pelvic floor functions as a supportive hammock for internal organs and is intricately connected to the abdominal muscles and diaphragm.

Hall introduces the concept of the "tin can," where the pelvic floor is the base, the abdominal muscles form the sides, and the diaphragm is the lid. This analogy helps to visualize how these components work together to maintain intra-abdominal pressure. When breathing in, the diaphragm descends, and ideally, the pelvic floor should also lower. Conversely, during exhalation, the diaphragm rises, and the pelvic floor should follow suit.

Breathing Mechanics and Their Impact

Hall highlights the critical relationship between breathing mechanics and pelvic floor function. She points out that poor breathing patterns can lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which may exacerbate issues like stress incontinence. Many individuals unknowingly hold their stomachs in, which can hinder proper diaphragm function and pelvic floor relaxation.

To address this, Hall recommends exercises that focus on deep, diaphragmatic breathing. She encourages individuals to practice lying on their stomachs to promote awareness of their breath and pelvic floor movement. By allowing the diaphragm to function correctly, individuals can create a more balanced pressure system within the tin can, ultimately improving pelvic floor function.

Movement Efficiency and Tracking Width

Another key topic discussed is the concept of tracking width, which refers to the distance between the feet during movement. Hall explains that an ideal tracking width allows for efficient weight transfer from one side of the body to the other. Many individuals unknowingly adopt a narrow tracking width, which can lead to various injuries and issues, including knee pain and stress incontinence.

Hall emphasizes the importance of finding the right tracking width for each individual, as it can significantly impact movement efficiency. She notes that when people run with a narrow stance, they may inadvertently increase the load on one side of the pelvic floor, leading to imbalances and discomfort. By encouraging a wider stance, individuals can access the full breadth of their feet, promoting better movement patterns and reducing the risk of injury.

The Interconnectedness of the Body

Throughout the conversation, Hall reiterates the interconnectedness of the body. She explains that issues in one area, such as the pelvic floor, can often be traced back to problems in other regions, including the head, shoulders, and spine. For instance, a forward head position can lead to compensatory patterns in the shoulders and pelvis, ultimately affecting overall movement and function.

Hall encourages individuals to become more aware of their body mechanics and posture. By checking in with their alignment and movement patterns, they can identify areas that may need improvement. This awareness can lead to more effective interventions and a better understanding of how to maintain optimal body function.

Practical Applications and Exercises

To help individuals improve their movement and address issues like stress incontinence, Hall provides practical exercises. She suggests starting with breath awareness, focusing on the diaphragm and pelvic floor coordination. By practicing deep breathing while lying on the stomach, individuals can develop a better understanding of how these systems work together.

Once individuals have established a foundation in breath mechanics, Hall encourages them to transition to seated exercises and eventually incorporate movement. This progression allows for a more comprehensive approach to improving pelvic floor function and overall movement efficiency.

Hall also highlights the importance of tracking width during walking and running. By consciously adjusting the distance between the feet, individuals can enhance their movement patterns and reduce the risk of injury. This awareness can lead to improved performance and a greater sense of control over one's body.