On Swinging Arms
I always get a kick out of it when science still cannot answer seemingly simple questions such as why do most people swing their arms when they walk. To the best of my knowledge, this question has never been answered definitively -- although I'm sure those following one particular theory will insist theirs is right.
Some people think it aids balance -- although obviously it is not necessary for balance.
Others think it is a leftover effect of evolution from when our supposed evolutionary ancestors walked on all fours.
Others think it is a natural response to the forward momentum generated by our upper torsos.
Others think it is a learned action. It looks weird to most of us if people walk without swinging their arms.
I used to be one of those people. When I was younger, I almost always walked with my arms crossed in front of me. I recall being accused of looking grumpy when I walked because of this (That and the fact that I tend to not smile by default). I was actually somewhat self-conscious about how I walked, thinking that how I walked made me "uncool".
Now, I primarily do swing my arms. I'm not sure when the shift occurred or if it was gradual or sudden. I just noticed this only three weeks ago or so (when I intended to write this entry).Poll Back and Forth, Back and Forth
Some people think it aids balance -- although obviously it is not necessary for balance.
Others think it is a leftover effect of evolution from when our supposed evolutionary ancestors walked on all fours.
Others think it is a natural response to the forward momentum generated by our upper torsos.
Others think it is a learned action. It looks weird to most of us if people walk without swinging their arms.
I used to be one of those people. When I was younger, I almost always walked with my arms crossed in front of me. I recall being accused of looking grumpy when I walked because of this (That and the fact that I tend to not smile by default). I was actually somewhat self-conscious about how I walked, thinking that how I walked made me "uncool".
Now, I primarily do swing my arms. I'm not sure when the shift occurred or if it was gradual or sudden. I just noticed this only three weeks ago or so (when I intended to write this entry).Poll Back and Forth, Back and Forth