A lovely stroll on a sandy beach recently got me thinking about how different it was to walk on sand compared to concrete footpaths.
Humans have been walking upright for millions of years, and most of this has been done on natural uneven surfaces, over rocks, through wild grasses and up and down hills.
It’s only in very recent times that we’ve walked on smooth, man-made surfaces like concrete, asphalt, flagstones and treadmills!
When we walk on these flat, predictable surfaces, we reduce the range of movement that we do, and our walking pattern becomes very one-directional.
In comparison, walking on uneven ground (like the beach, muddy paths, fields etc) creates a bigger change in our centre of gravity. We have to work harder to stay upright. If the foot is unstable, it requires a much deeper engagement of muscles throughout the upper and lower body. We’re not just walking, we’re also leaning from side-to-side, tilting forward and twisting a little. This ultimately builds a stronger, more resilient body.
There are huge mental benefits too. The unstable ground helps us to connect more with our environment and nature.
On the beach, there were pebbles, shells, seaweed and puddles that kept me focused on where I was putting my feet. The sand was also unpredictable, with different levels of supportiveness underfoot. I needed to concentrate more and react quicker to my surroundings. As a result, my walking speed slowed down and I ultimately became much more mindful of everything around me.
When I was back on the dull, tarmac footpath, my steps became more rhythmic and repetitive. My mind became busy again, and I started to think of a hundred and one things - none of which included where I was putting my feet!
So, for countless mental and physical benefits, I’d highly recommend getting out into nature for some wild walking. It doesn’t have to be at the beach, investigate some muddy trails or even attempt some stepping stones across a river!
Ideally, you want to build it up slowly, especially if you suffer from any joint pain or balance issues. You’ll soon become stronger, more confident and able to enjoy the benefits of longer walks over challenging terrains.
Have you been wild walking recently? I’d love to hear your experiences.
