Whether it is a quick stretch in the morning, a short walk after lunch, or your evening workout routine, we have heard a lot about how important movement is in daily life. From brain health to heart, lungs, and digestion, physical movement benefits several bodily functions. However, not all physical workouts have to be intense gym routines or a run that leaves you tired; many say some of the most effective workouts are often the simplest ones. 8-shaped walking, or the infinity walk, as many call it, is a popular style of walking that has been gaining a lot of favor for good reasons. But what exactly is infinite walking, and does it really have benefits for your health? Stay tuned as we examine the infinity walk and break it down for you.
What is 8-shaped walking?
The infinity walk, or the 8-shaped walk, is a simple and efficient walking technique. It involves walking continuously for about 20 minutes in a loop, like making the shape of the number 8 with your steps. Usually, the path followed while doing an infinity walk is about 12-16 feet long and about 4-6 feet in width. When laid flat, the 8 shape makes the infinity sign, hence the name infinity walk.
You must walk around the bends and loops of that eight, rotating your body slightly as you go. In contrast to walking in a straight path, this pattern necessitates a continual and rhythmic shift in direction. Although it may appear to be a slight variation of regular walking, the movement pattern activates both hemispheres of the brain and both sides of the body, making it a special kind of physical and cognitive conditioning. Every step demands a minor modification to balance, posture, and coordination.
Where Does Infinity Walking Come From?
Many think Infinity Walk is another fitness ritual born on the internet. But in fact, the 8-shaped walking traces its roots to ancient Indian ayurvedic practices. In Himalayan ayurvedic traditions, a similar practice has existed for centuries called the ‘Siddha walk.’ The yoga practitioners believed that this unique style of walking helps improve balance and the natural rhythm of the body and promotes mental peace.
In more recent times, the infinity walking gained attention when it appeared in the book of clinical psychologist Dr. Deborah Sunbeck in1991. She described it as a therapeutic tool to enhance coordination and attention and boost motor functions. Since then, various therapists and experts have prescribed the practice for stress reduction, enhancing brain function, and improving metabolism.
In early 2020, when the global coronavirus struck the world, 8-shaped walking started gaining popularity when people were looking for simple, equipment-free exercises to stay fit. Since infinity walking requires very little space, it can be performed in a backyard or terrace. Fitness coaches and social media helped popularize it as a simple yet holistic fitness routine that benefits both the body and the mind.
Health Benefits of 8-Shaped Walking or Infinity Walking
Improves Body Coordination & Balance
While we can frequently go ‘autopilot’ when walking in a straight path, the Infinity Walk necessitates frequent micro-adjustments. Your body’s center of gravity moves with each turn or curve you make in the figure-eight pattern. Both hemispheres of your brain must be active for you to remain balanced, flexible, and upright. Compared to a typical stroll, this walking technique also helps stabilize your legs, hips, and core much more actively. This exercise can be quite beneficial for elderly people or those recuperating from injuries.
Enhances Muscle and Spine
Compared to walking on a straight line, an eight-shaped path uses more muscles. Your back and abdominal core muscles are worked by the twists and turns, which improve posture and stability. Your hip stabilizers, lower back, and core all work together to keep you balanced as you follow the curving course. Additionally, it tests your legs in new ways by using various muscle groups as you negotiate the curves.
Boosts Brain Function
Infinity walking improves neuromuscular coordination and increases your body’s responsiveness and agility because it necessitates the cooperation of both hemispheres. This bilateral movement helps create new neural pathways and strengthen existing neural connections in the brain, which is advantageous for enhancing mental clarity, focus, and attention span.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Ever noticed how going for a short walk in a stressful situation helps you blow off some steam and get mental clarity? It is not a coincidence; there’s science behind it. Various studies found that taking a walk in the open air can reduce the effects of cortisol, which is the ‘stress hormone. Additionally, going for a stroll has also been shown to cause the release of hormones like endorphins that naturally suppress anxiety and elevate your mood.
Helps Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check
By increasing insulin sensitivity, making infinite walking a habit can help control blood sugar. When done regularly after meals, infinity walking helps the body absorb glucose more effectively and promotes mild muscle activity. Because it helps maintain stable blood sugar levels without requiring a lot of physical activity, this is especially helpful for those who have diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Supports Heart Health
Mild exercises like 8-shaped walking are beneficial for the heart in many ways. Practicing infinity walking can help reduce LDL, also known as bad cholesterol, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, both of which are important for heart health. It can also be beneficial in improving the blood circulation, helping reduce the strain on the heart.
How to Perform Infinity Walking?
To perform infinity walking, begin by travelling along an imaginary eight-shaped path that alternates between clockwise and anticlockwise directions as it moves from north to south and back. Take ten to fifteen minutes in each direction of walking. Spend 15 to 20 minutes twice a day at first, then progressively increase to 30 minutes per session.
Infinity walking can be an excellent mild-intensity addition to your daily routine, as it has numerous advantages for the brain, heart, and overall health. But remember, in order to achieve the best results, the recipe is the same as any other workout routine: discipline and consistency.
FAQs
What is infinity walking?
Infinity walking is a special walking technique that requires walking in the shape of the number ‘8’.
What is infinity walking good for?
From enhancing balance, posture, and muscular movement to improving brain function and mental clarity, infinity walk offers various benefits.
How long should I do infinity walking each day?
While starting, aim for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase it to 25-30 minutes every day.
Can Infinity Walking help reduce blood sugar?
Yes, by improving the absorption of sugar and enhancing insulin sensitivity, 8-shaped walking can help reduce blood sugar levels.
Does 8-shaped walking help with posture?
The curved path engages core and back muscles, providing greater posture and alignment with time.
When is the best time to do an infinity walk?
Morning or evening works best, but walking after meals also aids digestion and blood sugar control.
(The article is written by Ehsan Siddiqui, Team Lead and reviewed by Monalisa Deka, Deputy Manager, Clinical Health & Content, Medical Affairs)
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