Walk facts for kids

Race walking sample, Colombia.

Walking is a simple and natural way that people and many animals move around using their legs. It's slower than running, and when you walk, at least one foot is always on the ground. This makes it different from running, where both feet can be off the ground at the same time. Going for a walk is a great way to explore your neighborhood, get some fresh air, or just move your body.

What is Walking?

Walking is a type of movement where you use your legs to go from one place to another. It's one of the first ways humans learn to move on their own. When you walk, your body uses many muscles in your legs, core, and even your arms to keep you balanced and moving forward. It's a very efficient way to travel short or long distances.

How Your Body Walks

Think about how your legs move when you walk. One leg pushes off the ground while the other swings forward to take the next step. This happens in a smooth, repeating pattern. Your arms often swing naturally to help you keep your balance. Even though it looks simple, walking involves a lot of coordination between your brain and your muscles.

Why is Walking Good for You?

Walking quickly or for a long time is known as a healthy exercise. It's one of the easiest and best ways to stay fit and healthy.

Benefits for Your Body

• Stronger Muscles and Bones: Walking helps make your leg muscles stronger and keeps your bones healthy.
• Healthy Heart: Regular walking can make your heart stronger and improve your blood flow. This helps prevent heart problems later in life.
• Weight Management: Walking burns calories, which can help you keep a healthy weight.
• More Energy: Even though you use energy to walk, it can actually make you feel more energetic overall.
• Better Sleep: Being active during the day, like walking, can help you sleep better at night.

Benefits for Your Mind

• Reduces Stress: Going for a walk can help clear your mind and reduce feelings of stress or worry.
• Boosts Mood: Exercise, including walking, releases chemicals in your brain that can make you feel happier.
• Improves Focus: A short walk can help you think more clearly and focus better on tasks.
• Connect with Nature: Walking outdoors lets you enjoy fresh air and see new things, which is great for your well-being.

Different Ways to Walk

People walk for many different reasons and in many different ways.

Everyday Walking

This is the walking you do every day, like walking to school, walking around your house, or walking to the store. It's a normal part of daily life for most people.

Race Walking

Race walking is a sport where athletes walk as fast as they can. There are special rules, like one foot must always be on the ground, and the front leg must be straight when it touches the ground. It's a very demanding sport that requires a lot of training.

Hiking

Hiking is walking for a longer distance, usually in nature, like on trails in forests, mountains, or parks. Hikers often carry backpacks with water, snacks, and other supplies. It's a great way to explore the outdoors and see beautiful scenery.

Nordic Walking

Nordic walking uses special poles, similar to ski poles, to help propel you forward. This style of walking uses more of your upper body muscles, giving you a full-body workout. It's popular for fitness and can be done on various terrains.

Walking for Travel

Many people walk as a way to travel, especially in cities. Some cities have special pedestrian-only areas where people can walk safely and enjoy the sights. Walking is also a big part of exploring new places when you're on vacation.

Animals That Walk

Humans aren't the only ones who walk! Many animals use their legs to move around.

• Mammals: Most mammals, like dogs, cats, elephants, and kangaroos, walk on their legs. Some, like kangaroos, hop, which is a form of walking.
• Birds: While many birds fly, they also walk on their two legs when on the ground, like penguins or chickens.
• Reptiles and Amphibians: Lizards, crocodiles, and salamanders walk using their four legs.
• Insects and Spiders: These creatures have many legs and use them to walk, crawl, or scurry.
• Fish: While most fish swim, some unique fish, like the mudskipper, can actually "walk" on land using their fins!

Related pages

• Race walking
• Hiking

Images for kids

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  Computer simulation of a human walk cycle. In this model the head keeps the same level at all times, whereas the hip follows a sine curve.

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  Racewalkers at the World Cup Trials in 1987

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  Nordic walkers

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  Hiking with full packs.

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  Gauchetière Street, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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  Two king penguins and one gentoo penguin walking on a beach on South Georgia, British overseas territory

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  The walk, a four-beat gait

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  An Asian elephant walking

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  A mudskipper, a type of walking fish, perched on land.

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  Free heels are a defining characteristic of ski touring