Backward running is not a new concept. It has been popular in Japan for centuries and now even in Europe, with the latter hosting backward running marathons. However, if you are in India, you most likely haven't tried it despite hearing its many benefits, simply because of the nightmare of the logistics - infamous potholes, uneven roads and much more. But if you can find even grounds and safer areas, this can turn out to be the best decision of your fitness journey.
First up, let's see how is running backward different from running forward. When you run backward, you use more leg muscles to complete every stride, than what you use in forward running - this makes you burn almost 30 per cent more energy. In fact, a study conducted on 26 female joggers, who ran 15 to 45 minutes backward, three times a week over the course of six weeks, established that women lost up to 2.5 per cent of their body weight by just switching to retro-running alone.
Also, the findings of two studies by the researchers from the University of Milan and another by scientists from Cardiff University in Wales explained, “Reverse runners pound the earth more softly, thereby reducing the risk of knee injuries.” Read more
First up, let's see how is running backward different from running forward. When you run backward, you use more leg muscles to complete every stride, than what you use in forward running - this makes you burn almost 30 per cent more energy. In fact, a study conducted on 26 female joggers, who ran 15 to 45 minutes backward, three times a week over the course of six weeks, established that women lost up to 2.5 per cent of their body weight by just switching to retro-running alone.
Also, the findings of two studies by the researchers from the University of Milan and another by scientists from Cardiff University in Wales explained, “Reverse runners pound the earth more softly, thereby reducing the risk of knee injuries.” Read more