The Walking Code: Proper Walking Footwork with Todd Martin MD
Channel: Todd Martin MD
Date: 08/04/2020

This Walking Code video revisits the issue of footwork with walking, adding some additional detail to the discussion. Do we place with our heel, our midfoot, or our ball. This used to be a discussion limited to running technique, but now there are more people advocating that walking should not place on the heel. Why is this discussion happening? Because so many people end up with pain in the feet, knees, hips, and back from walking incorrectly over long periods of time. But is not placing with the heel the correct solution? This video should clarify the issue for you and allow you to feel confident in moving forward on the right path to walking correctly. 

When walking on flat ground, we should place on the heel. We should not push the body into the heel. The heel should hover briefly at the end of the swing through, and then be lowered in a controlled fashion. The heel is lowered by the rotation of the core. This is the same core rotation that begins to swing your arm forward. Avoid leaning forward when you walk. That will result in a heavy heel strike. If you practice walking barefoot, that can help you feel the correct heel placement. 

Join the new Walking Code Members Community for access to Live Q&As with Dr. Martin, a community forum, the full original Walking Code Course, and access to members only content. https://www.movementsphere.com/offers/CNqqcxay. The new Walking Code Online Course is now available. This is the best course to learn proper walking and posture mechanics to help prevent poor alignment and wear and tear on your joints. Sign up now and take the first step to better walking technique and better health. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2

Get your Walking Code Ebook here:
https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book
The book will guide you through the whole Walking Code Course with added information which will help you better understand the material in the videos .

Proper Walking Footwork 
1. Place the heel in a gentle and controlled fashion. Do not push the heel into the ground
2. Roll forward on the foot while engaging your lower abs to level your pelvis
3. Keep the spine completely vertical as you shift weight onto the whole foot
4. When your foot reaches the flat position, lift forward from the hip to begin the swing through of the rear leg
5. Always maintain a feeling of gliding, not pushing, as you walk



Get my new book, The Walking Code: Correcting Abnormal Gait Patterns by Mastering the Control of Your Core at the link below. This book closely following the whole Walking Code Online Course. You can get the book by itself or get it included with a subscription to the Walking Code Online Course.
https://www.blurb.com/ebooks/725858-the-walking-code-correcting-abnormal-gait-patterns-by-mastering-the-control-of-your-core

This video is part of The Walking Code Online Course that I created 7 years ago and have continued to update with more instructions to help you move fluidly, move with confidence, and most importantly, move without pain. You can find the full Walking Code Course at ToddMartinMD.com. The Walking Code, as well as The Tai Chi Code, are based on an analysis of the core movement energies on which Tai Chi are based. These same core movement energies and principles can be applied to most other basic activities, walking being just one of them. By learning the code you can improve your conscious, mindful movement and correct movement mistakes that could ultimately lead to chronic pain.