ChiWalking is a combination of walking and Tai Chi. It was originated from ChiRunning which was invented by ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer which helps runners learn to land on their mid-foot. According to the web site, ChiWalking is:
ChiWalking is an inspirational, mind-body, heath and fitness program that will get you up and out, and moving towards better health.
Walking in this way involves the programs Five Mindful Steps:
1. Get aligned: physically with your posture, mentally with your intentions
2. Engage your core: physically with your lower abdominals, mentally by using your will power
3. Create balance: physically between your upper and lower body and also between the right side and the left side of your body, mentally by creating a balanced fitness program
4. Make a choice: physically to walk in a new way, mentally to create health
5. Move forward: physically with grace and ease, mentally by focusing your mind on the next mindful step
A lot of people choose walking as their main form of exercise. This sounds like a great thing to try if you like walking as it incorporates good posture, engages core muscles, loose joints, and relaxing of the arms and legs.
Resources:
About ChiWalking®
Cool New Fitness Trend: Prevent Injuries With ChiWalking and ChiRunning
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Thanks all for your interest in ChiWalking. See this online presentation with embedded videos for more information:
- http://www.slideshare.net/echifitness/walking-technique-for-efficiency-and-injury-prevention
David Stretanski
Certified ChiRunning/ChiWalking Instructor
http://www.eChiFitness.com
NJ/NYC/NorthEast USA
I’m gonna try this just for the simple fact that I’ve been a tai chi practitioner for 5 years and I’ve been wanting to start running for quite some time now.
Walking as a form exercise is tried and tested… it burns calories, gets the muscles working and tones the legs. Would love to know more about how ChiWalking is taught, perhaps David could guest blog?!
I find that the best cure for sore muscles is a good long walk. It is a great recovery tool.
very cool.. never heard of ChiWalking before but it sounds empowering.
Sounds interesting. Not sure if it would be something that I could incorporate with our personal training clients at Studio Element, but definitely a unique way of looking at a new twist on an old method of exercise.
Walking is a very good way to improve recovery times..
Great ideas, especially these days, everyone thinks they dont have time to do exercise….. maybe that will be a way to slow the obesity epidemic. Maybe there is a way to incorporate an interval type of walk, alternating quick speed walking with a longer stride slower pace…alternating that way plus the addition of your tai chi methods could make for a pretty intense fat burning workout.
Jon,
Thanks for your comment. ChiWalking promotes about 12 different ‘walks’ for various physical/mental objectives. The ChiWalking technique suggests the same efficient stride length for all speeds to maintain posture and balance; with a change in cadence to change speed.
Fat burning occurs when the brain switches from burning glycogen after about 30-40 minutes of exercise, assuming ample oxygen is present. Efficiency is a key for extending exercise time and injury/aches/pain/discomfort prevention is a key for consistency. ChiWalking’s two main goals are efficiency and injury-prevention. The result is an safe, enjoyable lifelong fitness program.
Summary here:
- http://www.slideshare.net/echifitness/walking-technique-for-efficiency-and-injury-prevention
David Stretanski
Certified ChiRunning/ChiWalking Instructor
http://www.eChiFitness.com
NJ/NYC/NorthEast USA
I am going to give this a shot, posture is something that I could use some work in. I try to keep efficiency consistant throughout my life and to be honest that is the one area that i fault in. I cannot for the life of me, on a constant basis consiously keep in mind my posture and where it is at. This would be a great test, as it would force my concentration only toward that one thing…. thanks David
ChiWalking helps improve balance and endurance. ChiWalking blends the healthy benefits of walking with the inner focus of T’ai Chi, this exercise program is great for walkers on any level. Certain parts of our bodies and the muscles are used on a more consistent basis so they do need to be given extra attention, ChiWalking helps improve balance and endurance while reducing lower leg, knee and back pain. I think everyone who enjoys walking should give it a shot. Exercising is all about balance, a healthy body equals a healthy mind and really that is what we are all looking for. Thanks
Sounds interesting. Never heard of ChiWalking before but hey…that’s half the fun of reading fitness blogs
This way you can fight off bad guys while enjoying a nice stroll through the park.
Or am I all wrong?
This sounds great. Haven’t heard of chi walking but will definitely give it a shot. Will report back if I notice amazing results.