Add Running Backwards to Your Workout

If you don’t already run backwards, you should start. You’ll receive a greater marginal utility than running ahead under the umbrella of several benefits.

The first thing you need to think is muscle balance or imbalance. If you’re only running straight ahead, you’re only working one set of muscles. By mixing it up, you’ll work muscles you rarely work and give your leg muscles much better balance. This will not only improve the overall sculpting of your legs but also help prevent injury. Two other nifty benefits are improved balance and agility.

On the marginal utility note, backwards running will give you more bang for the buck because you’re not used to it. Thus, while your body has gotten used to running straight ahead, your muscles will be shocked into better performance when you switch things up on them.

To be safe, try walking backwards first and get used to the different motion. Progress to walking faster and then running. You’ll want to do this in an empty field, separated from any hazards.

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