WHY WALKING STYLE MATTERS MORE THAN DISTANCE

Walking is often seen as the most accessible form of exercise and we’ve all been told to aim for 10,000 steps a day, but that message only works if walking is something your body actually enjoys doing. If you’re finishing a walk with aching knees, a tight lower back or a sense of fatigue rather than energy, it’s no surprise that consistency becomes difficult.

According to Joanna Hall, sports scientist and creator of The WalkActive Method, the issue isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s a lack of understanding around technique.

“Step count can be a helpful motivator, but it’s not the full picture. If your posture is collapsing, if you’re holding tension or landing heavily, walking can feel harder than it should, and you’re missing out on the real benefits for fitness, posture and mental wellbeing.”

The key, she says, isn’t to walk further or faster, but to walk better. So what does that actually look like?

1. Focus on technique, not just distance. “Feel tall through your spine, allow your shoulders to open and let your stride come from behind you rather than reaching forward. It’s about moving in a way that feels expansive, not compressed.”

2. Release tension to unlock your stride. Many people carry tightness through their jaw, shoulders or hands without realising it, restricting movement and shortening stride. “Something as simple as softening your jaw or unclenching your hands can help your body move more freely.”

3. Walk more lightly. Heavy, forceful steps place unnecessary strain on joints. “If you imagine making your footsteps quieter, it naturally encourages a softer, more efficient movement pattern.”

4. Prepare your body before you set off. Stiff ankles can impact alignment all the way up the body. Spending even a minute mobilising them, through gentle circles or rising through the feet, can make those first few minutes significantly more comfortable.

5. Find your natural pace, don’t force it. “Your pace should feel controlled and consistent, not rushed. Walking in time to music can be a helpful way to find that rhythm without pushing too hard.”

6. Consistency beats intensity. Long, occasional walks are far less effective than shorter walks done regularly and with good technique. “Even ten minutes done well, consistently, can have a powerful impact over time.”

7. Create a plan that fits your life. Consistency is what turns walking from a good intention into a lasting habit, one that supports not just physical health, but energy levels, posture and overall wellbeing.

“When you walk well, everything changes,” she adds. “You feel more comfortable in your body, you move more easily, and you start to enjoy it. That’s when walking becomes something that genuinely supports your life.”

This philosophy sits at the heart of The WalkActive Method, which focuses on how the whole body works together during walking, from muscles and joints through to connective tissue and fascia. Often described as the body’s “second circulatory system”, fascia plays a crucial role in how efficiently we move, helping create a sense of spring and ease when it’s functioning well.

For those looking to put these principles into practice, The WalkActive app offers a Welcome Course that is free for life, a guided introduction designed to help people experience the difference that technique can make, with no trial period or commitment required.