Uphill Walking Tips

Key Concepts

• Post or Push Leg: One leg acts as the post or push leg to stabilize and propel you forward.
• Swing Back to Pull Leg: The opposite leg swings back in preparation to pull your body uphill.
• Finding Rhythm: Establishing a rhythm between the push and pull leg makes uphill walking easier.

Techniques

• Avoid Heel Pushing: Do not push your heel into the ground as it may cause your body to rotate backward down the hill.
• Thigh Movement (Yawing): Allow your thighs to yaw slightly, which means letting them rotate or sway slightly to assist in the motion.
• Heel Over Heel Movement: Think of moving in a heel-over-heel fashion to maintain balance and efficiency.

Body Orientation

• Pelvis Orientation: Be aware of your natural pelvis orientation. For example, if your pelvis naturally tilts to the left, let your right hip lead.
• Saloon Door Motion: Allow the lead hip to move forward like a "saloon door" swinging open.

Posture

• Stay Squatted: Avoid trying to stand straight up while going uphill. Maintain a slightly squatted position.
• Engage MTP Joint: Focus on getting onto the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint (the joint of the foot at the base of the toes) for added stability.

Practical Application

• Practice Tip: Try implementing these techniques by practicing on a hill, focusing on the push and swing leg mechanics.