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Walking has fewer slang terms than many sports, a testament to its accessibility and lack
of snobbery. Still, we’re betting that there are some walking terms you don’t
know that will help you understand and appreciate the sport.
Hand weights: Once fairly popular but now discredited, handheld weights were
designed to supplement your walking workout—but it turns out they may strain your
upper body and don’t add significantly to your workout.
Heel-toe: Correct walking technique in which you land on your heel with toes high.
Then your ankle travels through its range of motion and the big toe pushes off behind you
at the end of the stride.
Judging paddle: Device used by a judge to caution race walkers that they are in
danger of violating walking-technique rules.
Leg Turnover: The speed at which you pick up and set down your feet.
Off-road shoes: Rugged-but-lightweight footwear for trail walking, typically
featuring aggressive tread for superior traction, better ankle support, and a higher heel
to reduce strain on your Achilles tendon when climbing.
Orthotics: Shoe inserts designed to improve biomechanics.
Overstriding: Extending your normal stride in a misguided effort to walk faster,
instead of increasing your turnover.
Pole walking: Walking with rubber-tipped poles to boost your upper-body
workout.
Pronation: Rolling from the outside to the inside of the foot. Some pronation is
normal and helps absorb shock, but excessive pronation can cause overuse injuries.
Race walking: A judged sport whose two key rules are: 1) your supporting leg’s
knee must briefly straighten as it travels beneath your body, and 2) one foot must always
be on the ground.
Retro walking: Walking backward.
Strolling: Slow walking. For beginners, or for experienced walkers on an easy
day.
Supination: Rolling to the outside of the foot. Excessive supination can strain
ligaments, tendons and bones.
Treadmill: Exercise equipment enabling you to walk indoors.
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