Take Your Workouts to the Next Level with These 5 Surprising Benefits of Running Backwards!
If you run, more than likely you move forwards.
But a growing number of people are spicing up their run by moving backwards – or retro running – as it’s more officially known.
There’s even a Retro Running World Championship that attracts runners from across the globe.
Backwards running isn’t new and it may even be good for you.
In 2013 Dr Robert K Stevenson published a book called Backwards Running and praised this style of running for building stamina, strengthening leg muscles, promoting better balance and restoring posture.
Here are five benefits of backward running.
It lightens the load on your knees
It strengthens different leg muscles
Running backwards builds stamina
Running backwards burns fat
Running backwards can break the monotony
How to run backwards safely…
Running backwards presents obvious hazards such as bumping into objects or falling over. You also have to twist your body slightly to see behind you, which can place more demand on the neck and spine – so you probably don’t want to do it for long periods.
Choose a flat surface with no dips and hidden potholes and ensure the surface is clear.
