MochaBeansMom asked:


I run for about 3-4 miles a day on the treadmill, do my 10 minute walk cool down, but a colleague of mine said i should try to incorporate walking backwards (on tip-toes) on a slight incline on the treadmill for several minutes and I would see different results in leg muscles. Any input? I have added that to my cool down, and it seems like i don’t feel any difference–any advice? Thanks!

7 Responses to “Any benefits to walking backwards on a treadmill on incline?”

1. Gecko Juice on December 10th, 2011 3:34 pm

   it could work your calv muscles in a different way

2. alwaysmoose on December 12th, 2011 9:57 pm

   It works different muscle groups. Not a bad idea. Just give your self a bit to get your bearings before making a fool out of yourself walking out of the gym.

3. GG Birdie on December 15th, 2011 12:36 am

   I walk on a level 12 incline on speed of 4 to work out my butt but I never heard anything about going backwards.

4. carpediem!!! on December 15th, 2011 4:44 am

   The only things I could think of that would be a result of this is gaining lower calve muscles, or simply gaining more muscles in the calves all over. However I don’t suggest doing any sort of exercise on tip toes, I used to run on the toes of my feet and now can’t seem to break the habit. It is much easier to run with flat feet, and there really is no advantage to running with tip toes.
   =)

5. Chris on December 15th, 2011 5:36 am

   yes, you utilize different areas of your leg muscles when you walk backwards, have you noticed that the day after you do a long run you can still go up stairs quite easily but going downstairs is more difficult? If you are only doing this for a cooldown then you aren’t really working those muscle groups, you should incorporate it into your work out but start out slow as it is an awkward movement to get used to.

6. Ms T on December 15th, 2011 10:24 pm

   I “heard” that walking backwards helps the calf muscles. Hey you never know, give it a try.

7. pirategrl on December 19th, 2011 12:58 am

   Hmmm, can’t say anything about the tip-toe thing other than any exercise you do on your tip-toes will work your lower legs more. When I’m on my elliptical trainer, I find going forward will work the back of my legs, and rear. When I go backwards, I can really feel the different muscles on the front of my legs being worked.