Looking to ‘Shake Up’ Your Run for the New Year? Explore the Benefits of Running or Walking on Varied Terrain!

Land, lever, lift…repeat. Too much of the same repetitive motion over and over limits exposure to activities that could lead to breakthrough fitness opportunities. Take the human foot and ankle; together, they support body weight and act as a lever for walking and running. By ditching the monotony of solely pounding hard surfaces, it allows the 27 bones in our lowest extremity to articulate differently than what they’re used to. So, lace up for a change of scenery! Varying your running or walking surface offers a plethora of benefits. Here’s why mixing up your substrate is a game-changer:

 **Muscle Engagement:** Different surfaces engage different muscles. Pavement provides stability, while trails challenge your stabilizing muscles.

**Joint Health:** Softer surfaces like trails or grass can be gentler on joints, reducing the impact of each step. It’s a win-win for your cardiovascular health and joint longevity.

**Mental Refreshment:** A change in scenery stimulates the mind, making your run or walk more enjoyable. Nature’s beauty can provide a mental boost and alleviate exercise boredom.

**Balance and Coordination:** Navigating varied terrain hones your balance and coordination skills. Uneven surfaces force your body to adapt, enhancing overall stability.

**Injury Prevention:** Regularly switching surfaces can help prevent overuse injuries associated with constant pounding on a single type of terrain. It’s a proactive approach to keep you running or walking longer!

**Leg Lift:** Leg lift is key to effective leg turnover for efficient running. Off-road presents an opportunity to address leg lift in the form of root and other obstacle avoidance.

 **Awareness:** To avoid a fall, it’s vital to maintain a clear view and awareness of the path before you. Keeping your head in spine alignment permits a focus on what’s to come.

So, whether it’s dirt trails, sandy shores, or the soft embrace of grass (kick the shoes off here and go with unshod feet!), mix it up! Your body and mind will thank you for the adventure.