Tis true.. Walking backwards may be good for your brain. This is because it fits the criteria of a neurobic activity. And remember, neurobic activities can causes new neural connections to grow in your brain – and that’s a good thing!
Recalling an earlier post I wrote, in order to be a brain building neurobic activity it must have one or more of the following going for it:
1) Involve one or more of your senses in a novel context.
2) Engage your attention.
3) Break a routine activity in an unexpected, novel way
I’d say walking or running backwards fits the neurobic criteria quite well.
Exercising backwards is also called retro-exercise. Retro-running has been popular for many years in Europe. In fact, they have races which vary from sprints to the 26.2-mile marathon. Additionally, I have personally witnessed numerous people walking backwards as a form of exercise in public parks in China.
Here are a few of the many benefits of walking or running backwards:
- Running backwards burns a fifth more calories than traditional jogging
- 100 steps backward walking is equivalent to 1,000 steps conventional walking.
- Your balance increases
- Your hearing increases
- Your peripheral vision increases
- Helps people recover from knee-joint surgery and injuries ranging from the ankle to the groin
- Your tummy becomes your back and creates a nice reaction for your abdominals
- An athlete who can walk forward at a given pace that enables his heart rate to rise to 106 bpm will see it soar to 156 bpm while walking backward at the same pace.
- Running forward at a 10-minute mile pace may raise the heart rate to 151 bpm, while running backwards at the same speed raises it to 174 bpm.
The drawback, of course, is a lack of hindsight. Because of this it’s recommended that newcomers to backward walking or running do it gradually on a flat track or treadmill to avoid potholes, signs, cars and other hazards.
Sources:
Resources:
Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises
Related Posts:
Will Writing With The Opposite Hand Strenghten Your Brain?
Neurobics and Other Brain Boosters
Juggling Can Boost Brain Power
