Thanks to a new trend on TikTok, it's only a matter of time before you see someone casually taking steps backwards in the park, gym or workplace. Were you surprised? Well, there are several reasons behind this new challenge!
With over 36 million views, people on TikTok are very enthusiastic about the benefits of walking in reverse. According to experts, the health benefits are numerous, from building new muscles to improving balance.
You don't have to go backwards for a long time, but it's enough to start if you want to invest in overall wellness, according to Michael Hamlin, a personal fitness trainer.
When you walk backwards, you move your muscles in a different way than you do in a normal walk. Of course, there are many other ways to strengthen muscle groups, but strengthening the lower body is one of the main benefits.
"Additionally, walking backwards can improve balance as it challenges the body to move in a non-normal way, increasing awareness and coordination with the environment," says Hamlin.
Another benefit? It can do wonders for knee pain. This is because it balances the leg muscles so they provide more support.
