Each month has its own energy and special quality to celebrate...
This month is our gateway to summer and in some creative accounting way, seems to give us more time for the things we love…including the magic of midsummer, longer days and the opportunity to take all of our favourite activities outside.
This week we're talking about Joyful Movement...
Why We Love to Swing Our Arms When We Walk
Have you ever noticed how natural it feels to swing your arms when you walk? That’s no accident—your body is doing something smart.
Swinging our arms isn’t just a quirky habit; it’s something our bodies do instinctively to help us move more efficiently. When you walk, the opposite arm swings with the opposite leg—this cross-pattern motion helps with balance, momentum, and even energy conservation. In fact, research shows that this natural arm swing can reduce the energy cost of walking by as much as 12%. It’s your body’s built-in rhythm, quietly making movement smoother and more fluid.
But there's more. Arm swinging isn't just mechanical—it’s also emotional. Letting your arms move freely can make a walk feel more open, more expressive, and more joyful. It invites the whole body into the rhythm of the movement, turning a simple walk into a moving meditation.
Want to encourage that joyful arm swing? Here are a few simple tips:
🌿 Free your hands – Try not to carry bags, phones, or even water bottles if you can help it. When your hands are free, your arms can move naturally and evenly.
🧘 Unclench and relax – Keep a soft bend in your elbows, shoulders relaxed, and hands loose. No need to force the swing—just let it happen.
🚶♀️ Walk tall – Stand upright without stiffening. A strong but gentle posture allows your torso to rotate slightly with each step, which naturally fuels arm movement.
🎵 Find your rhythm – Whether it's the beat of music or the sounds of nature, tuning into a rhythm helps your whole body sync up—and makes the walk feel more alive.
The next time you step outside, walk like your whole body wants to be part of it. Let your arms move with intention - loose, natural, maybe even a little playful. See what happens when you let movement feel good instead of just good for you.
Because joyful movement isn't about performance. It's about connection—to your body, to the moment, and to the world around you.
0 Comments