Backward running
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Backward running, also known as backwards running, running backwards, retro running, or retro locomotion is the act of running in reverse, so that one travels in the direction one's back is facing rather than one's front. It is classed as a retro movement, the reverse of any normal movement. Non-english names are Ruckwartslaufen, Marcha Reversiva,
Backward running is a less natural motion, but can be accomplished with some speed with practise. It is better to start out backward walking (also called retropedaling) which is relatively easy, and speeding up. Like normal running, running up and down hills backwards will add an additional degree of difficulty. Running backwards up a hill is not very dangerous, in fact, if one trips it is less distance to the ground than on a level surface. Running backwards down a hill is more dangerous, and it is advised that someone learn how to drop into a backward roll before attempting it, to deal with any resulting tripping or loss of balance in the prone movement.
[edit] Dangers
As the head faces forward, running backwards has the danger in that you cannot see anything on the ground or in the way of your path. Unlike forward running, it is also much more difficult to brace a backward fall or drop into a roll if you trip.
Turning the head around while running can generally eliminate the visual impediment, although it is awkward, limits speed, and may result in neck strain.
Practicing tumbling and exerting force in a backwards direction with the arms through various exercises like crab walking or planches may aid in stopping damage or injury from falls or stopping falls.
[edit] Physical benefits
The combination of normal forward running and backward running is called mixed running or alternative mixed running. Some believe that running backwards helps balance out the strain brought on by normal running as it would work the reverse muscles. In actuality, much of the same muscles are used, though it would indeed work different areas and a different area of balance.
The real advantages would be a reduction in fear, a form of exercise that is naturally more reserved, gains in balance, and the general enjoyment resulting from entertaining activities like these.
