10/16/2026
If you’re not walking backwards, you need to. It’s your no-equipment necessary, almost-anywhere, beginner-friendly kind of movement.
When you “retro walk,” you’re using your muscles differently. Walking forward is more power, while backwards requires more control. Walking backwards helps build your balance, coordination, and control.
So if you’re always moving forward, doesn’t it make sense to train backwards? (Even lateral - side-to-side, but that’s a whole other video.)
As a nurse with ICU experience, I’m telling you to “do the opposite.” If you’re always hunched over a computer or phone, do the opposite and work on your posture. You “need” to be doing light twists, and deep breaths too. Really maximize movement and stretch to get your circulation and digestion going. Good for your nervous system too!!
And, staying strong is fall and injury prevention! Esp if you’re on a blood thinner!!!! (Sorry to my co-workers who are reading this and I’m thinking about hemmorhagic stroke and grippy socks.)
And, mobility is life. It’s independence and freedom!
So Nurse Gwen says - start walking backwards. You can add variety (as shown) or change up the intensity.
Ex - Stay low, push off with resistance or incline. Or, stay on a flat surface and use a wall if needed - one step at a time, with a focus on weight shifting.
Please try it! You’ll thank me later ❤️
