Why is standing more tiring than walking?🦶🦶

[Moomin8]

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

[Marionfromhappydays]

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

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

💗 How are you? x

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Neonkittie17]

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

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

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 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

I hope they can sort it soon 💕

[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 in reply to Sheila_G]

Sounds great! Well done you 😇

[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 👍