A child takes part in a fitness walk under parental guidance.
On the morning of the 9th, tens of thousands of citizens gathered at Yanyu Park on Nanbin Road to participate in the “Infinitus 2013 World Walking Day” event. According to reporters, this event was organized by the All-China Sports Federation and hosted by the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau and the Nan’an District Government. As the 12th stop of the annual event, Chongqing marked the conclusion of this nationwide public fitness campaign. In total, the event attracted over 200,000 participants throughout the year, covering a cumulative walking distance of more than one million kilometers.
Five Walking Methods for a 6km Journey
At last year’s “World Walking Day (Shanghai Stop),” participants attempted to set a Guinness World Record by collectively walking backward, eventually achieving the record for “Most People Walking Backward Simultaneously” with 1,039 participants. This year, the organizers specially introduced five different walking methods: “toe walking, heel walking, backward walking, arm-swinging walking, and patting walking.” At the event site, each method had a 200-meter experience zone where instructors explained various aspects of healthy walking.
At the finish line, participants could also join interactive games at the “Health Base Camp.” According to staff, these fun and hands-on activities help people understand scientific fitness methods, raise awareness about exercise, and experience the benefits of staying active in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
According to reports, this was the second time the “World Walking Day” event was held in Chongqing. Yesterday, tens of thousands of citizens took part in the walking experience, covering a total distance of 6 kilometers.
Three Generations Join the Walking Experience
At 9 a.m. yesterday, with the sound of a starting gunshot, a massive health-focused walking group set off from Yanyu Park on Nanbin Road, embarking on a 6-kilometer journey. The participants included elderly citizens with silver hair as well as stylish young adults. Many walked while taking photos and posting them on social media.
“I’m here today with my son and grandson,” said Ms. He Qin (phonetic), a local citizen. “I’ve always been a sports enthusiast and usually go for walks with my family or neighbors almost every weekend. I joined this walking event both to stay fit and to learn how different walking styles can benefit the body in unique ways—so I can try more methods when I walk in the future.”
Among the walkers, reporters also spotted a one-legged disabled woman who, despite using crutches, kept pace with the group. “I just want to prove that anyone can take part in healthy exercise,” said Ms. Deng. She attended the event with a friend and hoped to serve as a role model for others with disabilities.
Free Physical Fitness Tests Available On-site
At the backward walking zone, many participants were visibly enthusiastic. Retired teacher Auntie Zhang was one of them, having also taken part in last year’s “World Walking Day.” “Walking backward is good for your waist and promotes tissue metabolism. Since I participated last year, I’ve kept up with walking regularly to stay fit,” she said. Consistent exercise has kept her in great health, and she hopes more people will join the healthy walking movement.
Additionally, at the finish line, the event’s Health Base Camp offered free physical fitness tests, health lectures, and interactive games. Citizens could learn about scientific fitness methods, boost their awareness of exercise, and experience its benefits in a fun and relaxed environment.
Tips
Try These 5 Healthy Walking Methods
Yang Guojin, spokesperson for Infinitus (China) Co., Ltd., expressed hope that this event would allow everyone to enjoy the pleasure of walking. He also recommended five healthy walking methods, encouraging citizens to embrace this simple, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly form of exercise.
Toe Walking / Heel Walking: Walking on your toes or heels raises the tension in the flexor muscles at the arch of the foot and the back of the calf, helping to clear the three yin meridians, relieve fatigue, and enhance calf elasticity. It aids in pelvic floor control and reduces the risk of hemorrhoids due to poor blood circulation. Heel walking offers similar benefits.
Backward Walking: Strengthens the muscles at the back of the thighs and lower back, enhancing the elasticity of lumbar ligaments—like having a built-in lumbar support belt. Restoring the function of bones, muscles, and ligaments not only improves lumbar stability but can also reduce or even eliminate lumbar pain.
Arm-Swinging Walking: Swinging your arms while walking engages the fingers, palms, wrists, toes, heels, and knees. This movement stimulates and stretches the twelve meridians connected to these body parts.
Patting Walking: Patting is a simple and effective fitness method that strengthens muscles and bones, mobilizes joints, improves blood circulation, and enhances internal organ function and metabolism—especially beneficial for the elderly. While walking, gently patting your upper limbs helps prevent or relieve muscle strain, limb cyanosis, and numbness in the arms, all while giving your whole body a workout.