Todd Martin MD

The hip muscles can create power by either pulling or pushing. Using the correct form of power can determine if you are walking with proper technique or not. Learn how to feel the difference between pulling and pushing and which you should be using to create fluid, confident, and low impact walking. I talk a lot about how to use the hips to pull the body forward, not push. In this video I will help you to feel this movement more clearly. You will see many YouTube videos telling you to push with your glutes when you walk, which is not correct. The glutes activate to briefly after your heel contacts the ground and then should deactivate after your foot hits the flat position. This is demonstrated in EMG studies of walking. The swing phase of gait up until the next heel placement is powered by eccentric contraction of the hip flexors, not the hip extensors. Doing it the wrong way will lead to forward leaning, over-striding, anterior pelvic tilt, and a host of other problems. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Check Out the Walking Code Online Course https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Many people get knee pain when walking up or down stairs. This can be fixed by correcting the way you do it. In this video I will show you several tips for how to use your glutes correctly as well as the other elements of your core when you walk up or down stairs. This will reduce the pressure on the knee caps that often leads to this type of pain. When people have this type of pain when they are young, it is not a sign of physical damage, but when this problem is not corrected for many years, structural damage can develop. This is call chondromalacia patella, or wearing out of the cartilage under the knee cap. It is important to learn how to do these movement correctly to avoid this permanent damage. On other channels, you may see a recommendation to bend over at the waist so you can use your glutes better. This is terrible posture and is not how people should be walking up or down stairs. By learning the correct way to use your core, you will be able to go up and down stairs with correct posture while reducing or eliminating knee pain. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Lesson 2 of the Tai Chi Yang Style 108 form presented by Dr. Todd Martin. This lesson will look at Single Whip. Each lesson will begin with a demonstration of the 108 Form from the beginning through to the technique being reviewed in the current lesson. Then a step-by-step review of the movements. This is follow by a detailed look at the core muscle action for each movement using Dr. Martin's Direction-Root-Power System. The lesson will end with a review of which of the Tai Chi 8 Energies is being used during each section of the movement. For a more detailed discussion of my personal analysis of the 8 Energies and how they correlate with the core movements reviewed in the lesson, check out this video. In this series I am keeping the discussion limited only because most people will probably not be interested in the subject. Tai Chi 8 Energies Detailed Discussion https://youtu.be/An4ZNy4xM1E To sign up for The Tai Chi Code Online Course: https://www.movementsphere.com/offers/ne2SJsyj

Introduction to the Tai Chi Yang Style 108 Form Series presented by Dr. Todd Martin. Each lesson will have a demonstration of the form from front and back view so you can practice along. Detailed sequence breakdown. The core muscle movements of each technique will be described using Dr. Martin's Direction-Root-Power System. Each video will also review which of the Tai Chi 8 Energies is being used in all movements in the lesson. Tai Chi 8 Energies Detailed Discussion https://youtu.be/An4ZNy4xM1E To sign up for The Tai Chi Code Online Course: https://www.movementsphere.com/offers/ne2SJsyj

In this video I discuss details of Tai Chi waist rotation and hip power to in the 13 Postures. I focus on the Postures of Push and Pluck in this video, providing my personal analysis of the relationship between the Tai Chi Trigrams and the anatomy of the waist and the hips. There is no accepted anatomical correlation between the Trigrams and the 13 Postures, but I believe there is a way to correlate them. In this series of videos I will go through each of the 13 Postures and their corresponding Trigrams and show you the relationship that I have clearly found between them and the anatomy of the core. I believe having an anatomical basis for understanding Tai Chi movements can help with your Tai Chi practice and help you translate Tai Chi movement into normal daily activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, and more. I have been teaching walking technique on YouTube for almost 8 years, and I have used my analysis of the Trigrams to develop the Walking Code. I have put out a small number of videos directly related to the anatomy of the Trigrams which have gone largely unnoticed and/or completely ignored. It could be that my analysis is incorrect, but I am very doubtful of that since my analysis correlates with all of the trigrams and with all of the movements in the Tai Chi forms, which I cannot imagine being coincidental. I am not a Tai Chi instructor, but I have 27 years training, teaching, and performing Argentine Tango. The core movements in Tai Chi and in Tango happen to correlate perfectly. I was able to use my Trigram analysis to perfect my tango movement, and this also helped to confirm the functionality of the analysis. I will give a brief description of the analysis here and in the video I demonstrate how the core movement patterns translate to the energies of Pluck and Push. Core Pattern Analysis. Trigrams: Each trigram represents three elements of the core. The upper our outside line represents power from the hips, either flexion or extension. Hip extension is a solid YANG line. Hip flexion power is represented by a broken Yin line. This is because if you turn into a flexing hip. The middle line represents contralateral rotation of the upper waist, primarily from the external obliques and supporting muscles. These muses turn the upper torso toward the opposite side of the body. Turning the upper waist into an extending hip is a Yang movement because the rotation is essentially bounced off the extending hip, causing and outward projection of energy. On the other hand, if you turn into a flexing hip, the body rotation will be accepted into the flexing hip rather than being projected off of it. This is a Yin energy. The lower line represent rotation of the lower waist, from the lower abdominal (namely the internal obliques and supporting rotator muscles. These muscles create ipsilateral rotation, turning the lumbar spine and pelvis toward the side of the active muscle action. Yin and Yang work the same for the lower abs as for the upper abs. Turning into an extending hip in Yang and turning into a flexing hip is Yin. Further detail of Yin and Yang: Turning the waist toward and extending hip is Yang. Turning the waist away from an extending hip is Yin. Turning the waist toward a flexing hip is Yin. Turning the waist away from and extending hip is Yang. Split: Upper Line represents hip flexion. This is Yin energy. The upper waist turns toward the flexing hip. This is represented by the second line which is also broken, Yin energy. The flexing hip receives the rotation of the upper waist as opposed to bouncing the energy outward, which is what happens when turning into an extending hip ____ ____ ____ ____ _________ Elbow Strike: Elbow Strike has a flexing hip, which is Yin energy. The upper and lower waist both turn away from the flexing hip. This is Yang energy, represented by two solid lines. Elbow Strike is used mostly in stepping actions, including advancing steps, retreating steps, stepping left, stepping right, and central equilibrium. ____ ____ _________ _________

In this video I discuss details of Tai Chi waist rotation and hip power to in the 13 Postures. I focus on the Postures of Push and Pluck in this video, providing my personal analysis of the relationship between the Tai Chi Trigrams and the anatomy of the waist and the hips. There is no accepted anatomical correlation between the Trigrams and the 13 Postures, but I believe there is a way to correlate them. In this series of videos I will go through each of the 13 Postures and their corresponding Trigrams and show you the relationship that I have clearly found between them and the anatomy of the core. I believe having an anatomical basis for understanding Tai Chi movements can help with your Tai Chi practice and help you translate Tai Chi movement into normal daily activities like walking, running, climbing stairs, and more. I have been teaching walking technique on YouTube for almost 8 years, and I have used my analysis of the Trigrams to develop the Walking Code. I have put out a small number of videos directly related to the anatomy of the Trigrams which have gone largely unnoticed and/or completely ignored. It could be that my analysis is incorrect, but I am very doubtful of that since my analysis correlates with all of the trigrams and with all of the movements in the Tai Chi forms, which I cannot imagine being coincidental. I am not a Tai Chi instructor, but I have 27 years training, teaching, and performing Argentine Tango. The core movements in Tai Chi and in Tango happen to correlate perfectly. I was able to use my Trigram analysis to perfect my tango movement, and this also helped to confirm the functionality of the analysis. I will give a brief description of the analysis here and in the video I demonstrate how the core movement patterns translate to the energies of Pluck and Push. Core Pattern Analysis. Trigrams: Each trigram represents three elements of the core. The upper our outside line represents power from the hips, either flexion or extension. Hip extension is a solid YANG line. Hip flexion power is represented by a broken Yin line. This is because if you turn into a flexing hip. The middle line represents contralateral rotation of the upper waist, primarily from the external obliques and supporting muscles. These muses turn the upper torso toward the opposite side of the body. Turning the upper waist into an extending hip is a Yang movement because the rotation is essentially bounced off the extending hip, causing and outward projection of energy. On the other hand, if you turn into a flexing hip, the body rotation will be accepted into the flexing hip rather than being projected off of it. This is a Yin energy. The lower line represent rotation of the lower waist, from the lower abdominal (namely the internal obliques and supporting rotator muscles. These muscles create ipsilateral rotation, turning the lumbar spine and pelvis toward the side of the active muscle action. Yin and Yang work the same for the lower abs as for the upper abs. Turning into an extending hip in Yang and turning into a flexing hip is Yin. Further detail of Yin and Yang: Turning the waist toward and extending hip is Yang. Turning the waist away from an extending hip is Yin. Turning the waist toward a flexing hip is Yin. Turning the waist away from and extending hip is Yang. Ward Off: Three yang lines, indicating hip extension with the upper and lower waist turning into the extending hip, thus projecting off of it, resulting in and energy which cannot be penetrated. The structure of the core is what supports the arm expansion. This is used in Ward Off. When we run, we use this same energy (after a Push) to propel the body off the ground. ________ ________ ________ Roll Back: Three broken lines, indicate a flexing hip and the upper and lower waist turn into the flexing hip. ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ Push: Push has a top line representing hip extension. The upper waist turns away from the extending hip while the lower waist turns toward the extending hip. This causes a pushing action from the hand on the side of the extending hip. It is used in Grasp the Sparrow's Tail with both arms pushing, but the waist rotation is on the side of the extending hip. This movement is used throwing the Cross in Kick boxing. In walking it is the push down of the swing leg when we go down stairs or the push up of the standing leg when going up stairs. Push always proceeds Ward Off in getting the body off the ground when running. _________ ____ ____ _________ Pluck: Pluck has the top line representing hip extension. The waist rotation is reversed when compared to Push. The middle line is Yang because the upper waist turns toward the extending hip. The lower line is Yin because the lower waist turns away from the extending hip. This can be clearly seen in the video in Single Whip. The same energy creates the Jab in kickboxing, punching with the arm opposite the extending hip. _________ _________ ____ ____

This one Tai Chi principle can fix your posture and walking technique. In this video you will learn the principle and how to apply it directly to your posture and walking technique without the need to learn Tai Chi. This principle applies to how to coordinate the elements of your core to create optimal movement. Poor core movement can result in poor posture, like slouching, anterior pelvic tilt, and locked knees. It can cause walking technique issues like duck feet, over-striding, and heavy heel strike. These issues can result in chronic back, shoulder, hip, knee, and foot pain for various types. Most videos and treatments for these issues will focus on strengthening and stretching muscles. But, you should ask yourself, why are these muscles tight or weak in the first place. Most of these problems occur without an injury. The real problem is not tight or weak muscles, it is improper patterns of movement. You can no better fix poor walking technique by stretching and strengthening muscles than you could fix for salsa or tango dancing technique by those means. Fixing the problem requires learning HOW to move properly. There are specific patterns, guided by the core, that create optimal movement of all types, whether it is walking, dancing, martial arts, or athletics. We take it for granted that walking technique is the one type of movement that requires no instruction. This is wrong, and that is why so many people walk poorly. I have seen videos saying that you can fix duck feet by stretching of foam rolling the outside of the tight calf muscle. That would imply that the high percentage of people out there walking with duck feet all have a specific calf tightness, and coincidentally it is exactly as tight on both sides. When you see groups of 6 or more people walking down the street all with duck feet, it is hard to imagine they all have the same random muscle tightness issue. The problem is not tightness. It is movement patterns. You will learn the principles behind these patterns in this video. To fully learn the principles, techniques, and exercises necessary to optimize your core and your posture, sign up for the new Waking Code Online Course: Mastering Proper Posture and Walking Technique with Conscious Understanding of the Core. This link will take you to my website so you can learn more about the course, which is the best way to help improve the way you move. For more information on The Walking Code Course and to enroll early, go to my website link below. I will see you there. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2 You can also pick up The Walking Code Ebook at the website. Learn to prevent: Poor posture Slouching Anterior Pelvic Tilt Duck Foot Walking Forward Leaning with Walking Heavy Heel Strike Over-Striding

Learn how to prevent leaning forward with a heavy heel strike when you walk. This is a lesson from The Walking Code Online Course. Leaning forward is a common walking mistake. It usually starts subtly when people are younger and may be felt just like fast walking. It may show up more when walking up stairs and walking uphill. As people get older, and they lose the ability to compensate, the forward leaning becomes more pronounced. This type of gait creates a heavy heel strike. It also misaligns the knee because the weight is not transferred correctly as the forefoot comes down. This can lead to back pain, heel pain, and knee pain. If you walk this way, you may have a loud walk. You may also wear out the insides of your shoes because your weight distribution will be to the inside of the foot as well as the knee. This type of gait can be corrected by learning how to use the core with the proper rotation. You will learn this in The Walking Code Course. Prevent knee pain with walking Prevent back pain with walking Proper posture with walking For more information on The Walking Code Course and to enroll early, go to my website link below. I will see you there. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2

Discussion of the effects of modern (or any) footwear on the feet and what you should or should not do about it. Dr. Todd Martin, creator of The Walking Code will discuss the pros and cons of footwear and also discuss the possible benefits of barefoot walking. It is common to hear videos decrying the evils of modern shoe companies and the damage caused by their overly manipulated shoes which are trying more and more to affect the way we walk. Millions of people suffer from back, knee, and foot pain related to the impact of walking and running. Shoe companies keep adding elaborate designs and features to try and reduce this impact, but is it working or having the opposite effect. In this video I will also discuss the debate of heel vs forefoot striking which often comes up in the context of the modern footwear debate. I have debated Grown and Healthy in one of my previous videos on this topic. He and Bob and Brad are championing the idea that heel strike walking is only possible due to modern footwear. I am not sure what the definition of modern footwear is, given the fact that humans have walked heel first for all of known history. Even the fossil record indicates that early humans were walking heel first 3.5 million years ago. The Tarahumara tribe in Mexico, popularized by the book Born to Run, which launched much of this debate, walk with a heel strike. Studies of gait patterns of indigenous tribes that live traditionally barefoot also show that these people also walk with a heel strike. For more information on The Walking Code Course and to enroll early, go to my website link below. I will see you there. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2 Studies show that it is not just modern footwear that ruin our feet. Really, it is any footwear. But is this a necessary tradeoff? Large percentages of people do now wear correctly fitting shoes, and this can cause bunions, corns, hammertoes, and chronic foot pain. Depending on the population, up to 80% of people in some cases are wearing incorrect footwear, either due to fit, or due to inappropriateness for the circumstances. Any type of shoes, even sandals, also increase the impact on the feet when walking. This includes minimalist shoes as well, contrary to what their makers would have you believe. However, minimalist shoes may have some benefit in increasing foot strength in runners. They also may improve balance and decrease fall risk in those at risk of falls. If you can, you should try to walk periodically barefoot to better assess your walking technique. If you have heel pain, you are probably not walking correctly. The new Walking Code Online Course is coming out on Oct 1st, and it can help you improve your walking technique, with or without shoes. Sign up before the release date and get a special deal you will find on my website.

The best way to keep your spine aligned and reduce stress on your joints is the master control of your posture and walking technique. So few people think of these as skill that require knowledge and practice, but that is why so many people suffer unnecessarily from chronic or recurrent pain in their muscles, joints, and tendons. Just like a dance, proper walking technique and posture can be learned and mastered by understanding the proper patterns of core movement that lead to optimal function. You will learn these patterns in my new Walking Code Online Course: Mastering Posture and Walking Technique with a Conscious Understanding of the Core. This is my first new course in 8 years, building on the teaching techniques that I have honed with over 400 videos on YouTube. I have distilled my most innovative, effective, and proven ideas into one online course that you can navigate easily as you study. I am confident that this is not only the best online course for learning to master your walking technique, this is the best course available anywhere, in any format. The Walking Code is more than a series of exercise routines. It is a full system designed to help you master the fundamental patters of core movement that optimize human function. These patterns are based on my own analysis of Tai Chi, filtered through my knowledge gained through 27 years of medical practice in Family Medicine, 25 years as an Argentine Tango instructor and performer, and more than a decade of dedicated Tai Chi study. The official course launch date is October 1st. For those quick enough to act between now and Sept 30th, I am offering a 50 percent discount on the price of the course. This could be a life changing opportunity for you, so don't miss out. For more information and to enroll early, go to my website link below. I will see you there. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-online-course-2 Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md

If you have trouble standing from a chair or standing upright to walk, this simple technique will help you. Learn the reasons why standing up from a chair can become difficult with age, injury, or illness. It is not all weakness or stiffness. It is important to understand how to coordinate the muscles to get up properly and straighten the posture before walking. The technique I am going to show will also help you walk better, with lower impact on your heels and your knees to reduce pain. You can get up using less muscle force if you know how. This technique will help improve posture, reduce anterior pelvic tilt, and reduce back pain caused by poor posture. You will be able to achieve better balance and fluidity after you watch this video. Show me if you are getting value from the channel by checking me out and subscribing on Patreon. https://patreon.com/ToddMartinMD You can also hit the THANKS button to give a donation. Supporting the channel will allow me to continue to keep my content free of charge. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website and sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to register for my new upcoming walking technique course. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md

Learn risk factors for falling and what are the best tips to prevent falls and improve your balance. Preventing Falls in Seniors: Identifying Risks and Effective Strategies with Todd Martin MD. Welcome to our comprehensive guide on preventing falls in seniors! In this informative and essential video, we'll take a closer look at the key steps to safeguarding seniors from potential fall-related accidents. Falling can be a major concern for older adults, but with the right knowledge and strategies, we can significantly reduce the risks. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website and sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to register for my new upcoming walking technique course. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md 🔍 Screening Questions: First, we'll start by understanding who is at higher risk of falling. Our expert presenters will walk you through a series of screening questions commonly used to identify individuals who may be more susceptible to falls. By learning to recognize these risk factors early on, we can proactively address them and help seniors maintain their independence and well-being. 📋 Fall Risk Screening Tests: Next, we'll demonstrate the fall risk screening tests that therapists and healthcare professionals use to assess an individual's balance, strength, and mobility. These tests are crucial in determining specific areas of weakness and providing valuable insights to tailor preventive measures. Don't worry; these tests are safe and simple to follow. We will review the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, and the 4 Stage Balance Test. 💡 Proven Methods for Fall Prevention: Knowledge is power! In this section, we'll dive deep into the most effective and evidence-based strategies for reducing falls in seniors. From exercise routines that enhance balance and flexibility to simple home modifications that create a safer environment, we'll cover it all. Our aim is to empower seniors and their caregivers with practical and actionable tips to minimize fall risks and boost confidence. We will discuss awareness, medication review, vitamin D supplementation, environmental and assistive technologies, and exercise. 🏠 Creating a Safe Living Space: Ensuring a secure living environment is vital in preventing falls. We'll explore the essential modifications that can be made to a senior's home, making it more accessible and minimizing potential hazards. Learn about grab bars, proper lighting, and smart furniture arrangement to create a safe haven. 💪 Strength and Balance Exercises: Exercise is an incredible tool in promoting senior health, and specific strength and balance routines can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Our skilled instructors will demonstrate a series of easy-to-follow exercises designed to improve stability, muscle strength, and coordination. The key elements for fall prevention exercises are gait training. mobility and balance training, resistance training, and integrative exercises like Tai Chi. 🧠 Building Awareness and Preparedness: Prevention also includes fostering awareness among seniors and their caregivers. We'll discuss the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding how medications can influence fall risks, and developing an emergency action plan in case of a fall. Don't miss out on this invaluable guide to safeguarding the well-being of seniors in our communities. Join us in our mission to prevent falls, enhance senior quality of life, and provide peace of mind for families and caregivers. Hit the play button now and let's start the journey to fall-proofing our golden years! Remember to like, subscribe, and share this video with those who care about senior health and safety. Stay tuned and stay safe! 🌟 Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Simple tips to assess your own posture with exercises to help correct common posture problems like slouching, anterior pelvic tilt, and lordotic posture. Top 5 Posture Tips That Will Also Help Your Walking Technique with Todd Martin MD-In this video I go over my top 5 tips to improve your posture, keep your spine aligned, and reduce impact on your joints. I will address forward head posture, internally rotated shoulders, poor chest posture, posterior and anterior pelvic tilt, and duck feet. All of these issues are related to how you use your core. I will show one exercise that can help bring it all together. Keep in mind, you can't fix your posture by focusing on one area of your core. Poor posture patterns are generated by improper coordination between each of your core elements, your upper waist, your lower waist (abs), and your hips. You must coordinate each of these three areas to achieve proper posture. Good posture will help reduce neck pain, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, and a variety of painful foot conditions. Good posture is also necessary for proper walking technique. Posture and walking are interlinked. Good posture requires good walking technique and good walking technique requires good posture. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website and sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to register for my new upcoming walking technique course. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount.

Three Simple Principles to Move with Alignment and Fluidity-This is the introduction to my recent video on Direction, Root, and Power. These represent the coordinated movements of the three elements of the core that are the foundation of The Walking Code. Healthy, fluid movement requires proper coordination and alignment of the spine. If we understand how the three elements of our core work together to produce aligned movement, we can learn to move more consciously and with more confidence. This will help with your posture and walking technique. It can also help with other activities like routine household tasks, dance, athletics, and martial arts, as well. Most people move around using mainly body memory. This means they have repeated various movements so often that their body remembers the patterns and then those same patterns are repeated over and over. Using body memory allows us to move without thinking, but it does not mean we are moving correctly. Incorrect movement patterns can lead to poor alignment of the spine and other joints, leading to early wear and tear. This can result in back pain, knee pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, and many other chronic conditions. It can even be a cause of chronic shoulder pain. This introduction will review the following: Direction-This is how we control rotation of the upper waist which we use to point the body in the direction we want to go. It is this upper waist rotation that makes your arms swing when you walk, even if you don't know you are doing it. Root-This is how we control rotation of the lower waist, which controls which contains our root. It should only be one leg at a time, not both. Many people have heard the concept of grounding, or keeping the knees soft. These all relate to rooting, but it is rarely explained how to create and control that root. Here, I will explain exactly how it is done. Lack of rooting creates anterior pelvic tilt and overall poor body function. Power-This is how we power all of our movements using the muscles that control our hip joints, primarily the hip extensors (glutes) and hip flexors (psoas). Every movement we do when standing on two legs requires the use of the hip muscles to power the movement. This power is combined with the direction and the root to create whole body movement. Tai Chi speaks loosely of 8 energies, or patterns of movement which are used in all Tai Chi activities. These energies are never explained, and have been felt to be unexplainable. In this video series, I use my own analysis of the 8 energies to create a practical guide to conscious movement. In the following video, linked below, I will explore all 8 of these movement patterns that you can use to master your core. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website and sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to register for my new upcoming walking technique course. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount.

The Benefits of Moving in Slow Motion with Todd Martin MD. Practicing walking in slow motion can provide many benefits. If we practice in slow motion on level ground, going up or down stairs, or walking on hills, it allows us to ensure we are controlling each movement properly, not simply relying on gravity. We can't avoid gravity, but we can avoid moving as if we were falling at the mercy of gravity. Slowing down your movement will help you learn how to place your feet correctly and with less impact. It will show help you learn how to control the transfer of weight onto the leg, which will reduce stress on your knees and prevent knee pain. This practice can help improve your posture, keeping your spine aligned and pelvis in a level position. In this video, I do not go into specific techniques, but demonstrate what benefits you can get from the practice. If you have trouble keeping proper posture and controlling your movements, I would watch my other videos on walking up and down stairs and up and down hills, where I do work on specific muscle movement techniques. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website and sign up for my email list so you can be one of the first to register for my new upcoming walking technique course. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF)

This is how to initiate a step properly, part 2. In the first part I talked about step initiation from the position of the swing leg forward. In this video, I will talk about initiation from a standing position. I will also address several key problems that interfere with step initiation. Proper step initiation will help you keep better alignment of the spine and the pelvis and reduce impact on your joints. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Initiation is the Key to Proper Walking Technique. If you don't start your step correctly, it's all downhill from there. It can't be fixed. I will show you how to initiate your step correctly, whether you are walking in a straight line or turning. This will stop you from leaning forward. It will stop hard heel strike. If you learn this technique, you will be able to walk more consciously, and that is the only way to know if you are walking correctly. Some people develop pain from poor walking technique when they are young. Many people can get by with unconscious walking, until they get older and their natural reflexes decrease and their body memory fades, or they have an injury or surgery. Then getting back to walking becomes a tricky thing. This technique, and the others I describe on the channel, can help you to make your walking technique conscious. If you already think you walk well, you will make it more conscious. If you are having problems with your walk, you can correct it. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

The Way You Walk May Be Causing Your Shoulder Pain-Shoulder Tendonitis is a common painful condition for people of all ages. You can find hundreds of videos detailing shoulder strengthening and stretching exercises to help fix or prevent the problem. Shoulders held in a forward and internally rotated position is widely understood to be a cause of rotator cuff tendonitis. The problem with focusing on stretching the shoulder is not coming from the shoulder muscles. The problem is coming from the positioning of the core, and this is closely related to the way you walk. If you observe people walking with duck feet (out-toeing) you will see that virtually all of them stand with their palms facing backward. With good posture, the palms should face the side of the thighs with thumbs facing forward. The same problem that is creating the poor shoulder posture is what is creating the duck feet. In this video I will show you what the problem is that contributes to both issues. If you work on this issue, you can fix you forward shoulder posture permanently and help prevent shoulder issues. This is part of The Walking Code by Dr. Todd Martin. Rotator cuff impingement or rotator cuff tendonitis is a common medical condition. It is often treated with cortisone injections and shoulder exercises. Poor shoulder posture is usually blamed on weak or tight muscles, even though people with very strong and flexible muscles develop rotator cuff disease frequently. I will show in this video what the missing piece of the puzzle is so you can fix or prevent shoulder pain. This will also demonstrate how to fix duck feet. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

2 Million YouTube Views-What I have learned and where the channel is going. Thank you for helping me achieve 2 million views with The Walking Code. I will be launching a new online course in the next few months. Watch this video for details. It took 8 years to get to 1 Million Views. It took 3 more months to get to 2 Million. What did I learn about the YouTube Algorithm from this explosive channel growth. This is good news for those of you who are doing YouTube because you have something valuable to share with people, not just doing it for the money. I also wanted to thank everyone who has supported the channel and explain to newcomers about the channel and about what The Walking Code is, and how it can help you walk more fluidly, walking with more confidence, and walk with lower impact on your joints. For those interested in my upcoming Walking Technique Course launch, go to my website and sign up for the email list. Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md You can also pick up your Walking Code Ebook while you are there and get the free Walking Code Intro book for subscribing to the email list. I will explain more about the course in this video. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Welcome to our YouTube video on optimizing stride length for pain-free walking! Did you know that the length of your strides can have a significant impact on your knees? Walking with excessively long strides can increase stress on the knee joint, potentially leading to discomfort, pain, and even conditions like arthritis. Fortunately, studies have shown that by reducing stride length, you can effectively reduce the impact on your knees and improve overall joint health. In this video, we will guide you through three simple tips to help you optimize your stride length for a more comfortable and sustainable walking experience. Our expert presenter will demonstrate these techniques and provide valuable insights to assist you in achieving a pain-free stride. Throughout the video, you will learn: The Importance of Stride Length: Understand the relationship between stride length and knee impact. We'll explain why overly long strides can lead to knee pain and the potential for long-term joint issues. Evaluating Your Current Stride: Learn how to assess your current stride length and identify areas for improvement. We'll provide practical tips for measuring and analyzing your stride to determine whether it falls within the optimal range. Implementing Optimal Stride Techniques: Discover three simple yet effective techniques to optimize your stride length. Our presenter will demonstrate these techniques step-by-step, ensuring that you understand how to implement them correctly to minimize knee impact. By following these tips, you can make conscious adjustments to your walking technique, reducing strain on your knees and promoting joint health in the long run. Walking is a wonderful low-impact exercise, and with the right stride length, you can fully enjoy its benefits without worrying about unnecessary discomfort. Don't let knee pain hold you back from staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Join us in this video and unlock the secrets to optimizing your stride length for pain-free walking. Subscribe to our channel for more valuable tips on fitness, health, and overall well-being. Start walking with confidence and take care of your knees today! Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Rhythm is as important to walking as it is to dancing. Learn how to improve your walking rhythm to improve your flow and your confidence. Improving Walking Rhythm and Flow-Secret to Relieving Joint Pain. Welcome to a guide on improving your walking technique and transforming it into a mesmerizing dance-like flow! Join Todd Martin MD in this exhilarating Walking Code lesson, where he unveils the secrets to unlocking confidence, fluidity, and joy in every step you take. Walking is an art form that goes beyond mere locomotion. By mastering the rhythm of your stride, you can elevate your walking experience to new heights. In this video, Dr. Todd Martin, renowned expert in biomechanics and movement, shares his expertise and unravels the key principles to help you achieve a harmonious and effortless walking style. Discover how aligning your steps with precision can significantly reduce stress on your joints and promote a healthier, happier spine. Say goodbye to those days of feeling self-conscious and disconnected from your body's natural movement. With Dr. Martin's expert guidance, you'll tap into the magic of rhythmic walking and witness a transformation in both your physicality and inner confidence. In this captivating lesson, you'll learn: The fundamental principles of walking rhythm and how to apply them seamlessly. Tips to maintain proper posture and alignment, ensuring a strong and balanced gait. How to avoid a common walking rhythm that will increase stress on your joints and and interfere with your flow Whether you're a casual walker or an avid fitness enthusiast, this video is your ticket to unlocking the hidden potential within your walking routine. Join the countless individuals who have experienced the magic of rhythmic walking, gaining confidence, grace, and a renewed zest for life. Don't miss out on this transformative journey. Click the video now and let Dr. Todd Martin be your guide to walking mastery. Prepare to step into a world where walking transcends its everyday purpose, becoming an enchanting dance that brings harmony to your body and soul. Get Your Walking Code Ebook This book will help you navigate The Walking Code Course in the order that is most effective for applying the information to your walking technique. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-book Clothing for Walking: If you are looking for some comfortable and stylish clothes for walking, I highly recommend Fioboc. Their high-tech materials are cooling and moisture wicking. The cooling-T is super comfortable. The pants are like a cross between sweats and slacks. They are so comfortable and flexible that they are perfect for exercises like walking. Check out their clothing and use Code Todd for a 12% discount. Fioboc: https://bit.ly/3mwvm5e Code: TODD (12% OFF) Subscribe to the Walking Code Course by going to my website Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

Conscious Dance-Explore the Movement of Your Different Body Parts with Belle Martin. Welcome to our conscious dancing experience! Get ready to explore and connect with your body in a whole new way. In this video, we will guide you through a transformative dance experience that will help you tune into each and every part of your body. Through the power of music and movement, you'll learn how to isolate your head, shoulders, torso, hips, legs, and feet, all while experiencing the joy and freedom of dance. With each beat, you'll tap into your innate sense of rhythm and release any tension or stress in your body. Conscious dancing is a powerful practice that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, letting go of any worries or distractions. By becoming more aware of each part of your body, you'll cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness and consciousness, leading to greater relaxation and a more profound sense of joy. So, whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a new way to connect with your body and mind, this video is for you. Join us on this journey of self-discovery, and let's dance our way to increased consciousness together! Belle Martin is an embodiment facilitator of various movement methods. She teaches both in person and online. You can contact her or join in her online sessions through FieastasandSiestas.com. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join

How to Walk on Uneven Ground, safely, with control, and with low impact on the joints. In this quick Walking Code lesson, I describe how to walk properly on uneven surfaces like hiking outdoors. This is in answer to a question I get frequently. The technique is going to be a combination of techniques for walking on flat ground, walking uphill and downhill, and walking up stairs or down stairs. For more details, you should check out the videos describing each of the various walking situations. How to Walk Uphill and Downhill https://youtu.be/MSVTktMjaAE How to Walk Up Stairs and Down Stairs https://youtu.be/YiTUNyio6ro Visit my website: https://www.movementsphere.com/todd-martin-md Video Coaching now Available: Personalized coaching available with Dr. Martin. Click on the link here or in the video for details. https://www.movementsphere.com/the-walking-code-video-coaching Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAkwXF7adXLWvzaoxWydHhg/join