G A I T
Gait is essentially just a way to say walk or run. The gait movement involves putting one foot in front of another while the opposite arm swings to get from one place to another. Even though all people (for the most part) are walking all day long, many people have imbalances, poor posture, and improper form. Gait movements fall under the single-leg movement category.
The primary muscle groups used in this movement are the glutes, hamstrings, quads, and lower-leg knee extensors (gastrocnemius). When weight is added (i.e. farmers carry), more muscles of the lower back are used as well. All athletes will see improved performance by practicing certain gait movements because (basically) all sports require some degree of walking and/or running.
B E N E F I T S
- Comfort throughout the whole day, and the ability to get from place to place without pain
- Better posture/alignment
- Decreased chance of injury to the lumbar and thoracic spine
- Ability to get some form of exercise throughout the day
A S S E S S M E N T S
- Hurdle step (FMS)
- Stationary lunge
- Laying leg raise
C O M M O N F A U L T S
- Inward rounding of the lumbar spine (lordosis)
- Outward rounding of the upper back and rounding of the shoulders (kyphosis)
- Inversion of feet
- Hyperextension of knees
- Feet pointed inward/outward
Orenda 