You bet there are a proper and a wrong way to walk. Your form is very important during your fitness walking exercise program. It isn't hard to learn the proper technique, but having the proper form can save you a lot of aches and pains latter. The primary victim of improper form is the lower back and hips.

Not many people think about their form while walking. Mostly because they do not understand nor under estimate its importance in maintaining a good exercise routine. Here is a quick posture checklist you can quickly go through while walking: Head, Shoulder, Knees and Toes.

Head

For some reason the vast majority of people will look down at the ground or their feet while walking. Besides missing all the beautiful scenery they are placing a strain on their neck and lower back. Try to keep you chin up and eyes looking straight ahead. Many fitness experts describe the proper position of your head as a sensation of letting it float above your shoulders.

Shoulder

Have you ever experienced sore shoulders after walking or running. It is because you tensed your shoulders and let them get into an unnatural position. Your shoulders should be back. The tendency is to round them forward and even up towards your ears. Keeping your shoulders back will help you achieve the floating sensation for your head and allow your arms to swing easily.

Knees and Toes

This really has nothing to do with your knees other than saving them from undue wear and tear. The focus is on your hips and thighs. Watch to see if you are waddling which means your hips are moving side to side instead of moving forward and back. This can be corrected by using your thighs to achieve an unforced walking stride. Make sure you control the walking motion and not throw your leg forward which puts a strain on your lower back.

Your toes need attention while you walk too. Aching ankles and knees can result from not paying attention to how your feet interact in your walk. Heal to toe roll is the proper step. Many people forget the toe roll. A full stride is one where your heal touches the ground and then your movement forward ends with your toes arching upward as your foot leaves the ground. Heal walkers put a lot of stress on their feet, shins and knees.

That's an awful lot to be thinking about while you walk. But, when you first start out it is important to make sure you have the proper form and technique to make the exercise more enjoyable. Enjoyable meaning having less aches and pains after you walk. People naturally tend to stop doing what is not enjoyable and hurting because of poor form is not enjoyable.

As you progress in your walking routine you will find yourself mentally checking your stride and form periodically without making an intentional effort. Oh, and don't forget to concentrate on smooth and relaxed breathing. Your breathing will get faster with increased intensity which is okay. Focus on deep and complete breaths.