Why is standing more tiring than walking?🦶🦶 - NRAS

NRAS

37,285 members46,146 posts

Why is standing more tiring than walking?🦶🦶

Moomin8 profile image
8 Replies

Morning Peeps 🙂

Continuing my interest in feet...actually I don't really like feet in general 😅 - I listened to this on Radio 4: Why is standing more tiring than walking?

Released On: 09 Jul 2021

Available for over a year

Standing takes less energy than walking, so why does it feel more tiring? At least, it does for CrowdScience listener Nina. She can march for hours without getting tired, but her legs and feet get achy after just a short time standing still.

It’s one of three walking-themed questions CrowdScience is tackling this week. Taking inspiration from our active listeners, Marnie Chesterton walks up a hill with Caroline Williams, author of a new book about why humans are designed to move. We find out how our whole system – body and brain – works better when we’re walking, compared to standing still. We’re probably set up this way because of our evolutionary history: hunting and gathering needed us to be ‘cognitively engaged endurance athletes’.

We stop for a break.. but is it true that we shouldn’t sit down to rest during a walk? Our listener Sarah is a keen hillwalker but likes to take the weight off her feet every now and again. Her hillwalking friends disapprove, saying she should rest on her feet. Is this a myth CrowdScience can bust?

And finally a question from listener Matteo: is walking or running better for your health? Numerous studies show significant benefits to both forms of exercise, but in the end, the best kind of exercise is the one you’re motivated to do.

With Caroline Williams, Dr François-Xavier Li, Professor Dick Greene and Professor Duck-Chul Lee

bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1pqm

I found it very insightful! It definitely makes sense and I will try to put some of it in action.

This is the same thing, slightly different link:

bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3ct1pqm

Written by
Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
8 Replies

I really really miss going for long walks, when I'm on the right medication I will be back out there again 👍

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toMarionfromhappydays

💗 How are you? x

Marionfromhappydays profile image
Marionfromhappydays in reply toNeonkittie17

Could be better 🙄 Thanks for asking x Hope you are ok

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toMarionfromhappydays

Hope you are soon back on track. Lots to sort out here. Thank you, I am ok. Much to chase up/taking time. Was thinking of you. 💗x

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply toMarionfromhappydays

I hope they can sort it soon 💕

Sheila_G profile image
Sheila_G

I think it is probably because we are energised while walking. I know that if I feel really sluggish, a quick walk perks me up. I can't stand for long, it makes me feel sickly and lightheaded buft I can walk 2-3 miles on a good day.

Moomin8 profile image
Moomin8 in reply toSheila_G

Sounds great! Well done you 😇

Plumcrumble profile image
Plumcrumble

Yes, if I stand too long, not that I do it much, but my legs seem to lock and it's painful until I sit down 👍

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Groan

Was listening to an interview on the radio with a triathlon athlete returning to her post after...
Happy5 profile image

More questions than answers.

Here i am sitting here talking to you all and i have had 24hrs to digest what was said yesterday....
sylvi profile image

Daughter update

My daughter has now started chemo. First day today, walked i just as she was having a severe case...
fastball profile image

Painful Feet and ankles not included on the Das28 score?

I have pains in all the usual joints, ie fingers, wrists, shoulders, knees, but my feet and ankles...
petalnumber2 profile image

Help understand IVIG Infusion for RA/SJROGRENS

My sister n law and I both were dx'd with RA around the same time. She with RA/Sjrogens and me with...
proudmom profile image

Moderation team

See all
KateL-NRAS profile image
KateL-NRASAdministrator
Donagh-NRAS profile image
Donagh-NRASAdministrator
Nicola-NRAS profile image
Nicola-NRASAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.