A Boston-based human resources executive, Karen Ahern is the Founder and Principal of SageWorks Consulting. In her free time, Karen Ahern stays active by hiking.
Although ascending seems more challenging when hiking, descending is actually when many hikers become injured. To prevent such issues, hikers must use the right technique when walking downhill.
This involves staying relaxed and keeping the knee joints loose. Doing so reduces the risk of injury to the knees since it limits the amount of strain placed on them. Further, staying relaxed helps hikers maintain a good center of gravity as they descend. A good center of gravity is essential since it keeps hikers balanced so they don’t fall.
As hikers proceed downhill, they must also focus on taking small steps. Small steps make maintaining balance over the feet easier and hasten recovery time for hikers who slip. It’s safer than taking big leaps downhill and helps hikers maintain a steady pace. Slowing down while descending places a huge amount of pressure on the knees, so maintaining a consistently steady pace is often the best option.
Maintaining focus when walking downhill is also important in hiking descents. As hikers go, they must pay attention to the path in front of them and consider where the safest place to put their foot is. Lack of focus can result in hikers stopping their descent as they figure out the best path.
Although ascending seems more challenging when hiking, descending is actually when many hikers become injured. To prevent such issues, hikers must use the right technique when walking downhill.
This involves staying relaxed and keeping the knee joints loose. Doing so reduces the risk of injury to the knees since it limits the amount of strain placed on them. Further, staying relaxed helps hikers maintain a good center of gravity as they descend. A good center of gravity is essential since it keeps hikers balanced so they don’t fall.
As hikers proceed downhill, they must also focus on taking small steps. Small steps make maintaining balance over the feet easier and hasten recovery time for hikers who slip. It’s safer than taking big leaps downhill and helps hikers maintain a steady pace. Slowing down while descending places a huge amount of pressure on the knees, so maintaining a consistently steady pace is often the best option.
Maintaining focus when walking downhill is also important in hiking descents. As hikers go, they must pay attention to the path in front of them and consider where the safest place to put their foot is. Lack of focus can result in hikers stopping their descent as they figure out the best path.
