How to Walk Down Stairs with Dr. Todd Martin

When walking down stairs, we lower the body straight down. When we walk off of a curb we lower forward and down, with the intention to continue walking forward. The difference between the two movements is in the abdominal core, not in the legs. This video is part of the Walking Code series by Dr. Todd Martin. The goal of the Walking Code is to help people learn how to move more fluidly, move with confidence, and move without pain.

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[seancidy]

Never fail to be pleasantly surprised at the depth of Dr Todd's understanding of what is going on when we take a step.

[nathanielnguyen]

Another well informed video, Dr. Martin. Your explanation of how the thoracic spine should rotate differently for each type of step is helpful, as it gives me more guidance on what to be aware of when I'm performing these adjustments myself. Thank you for all you do.

[stephaniemoral.]

Love how you put it simple ❤️ 👏🏻 thanks! It sounds like common sense or basic knowledge but after doing it incorrectly we must figure out what & when did we do it wrong in order to fix it. You must return to basic knowledge or return to square #1.

[healthndlifestyle]

I had an ankle sprain 1 year back bit i still struggle to go down from height walking downstairs is not a problem for me but going down from a height its still bothering me i automatically become concious at that time and most often get pain to my other leg just because of that awkwardly going downstairs nw i hv heel pain maybe Achilles tendon at the insertional site

[SCShield]

Interesting! ChatGPT seems to suggest landing on heel first or flat-footed.

[brianbruce]

I have had great progress with walking but going down stairs is very complicated for me. I am having a hard time coordinating and balancing. My ankles are not very mobile. I recently sprained my right ankle because I didn’t place my foot directly forward and as I loaded my weight on my right ankle it rolled over. After my hip replacement ( right hip) I am relearning everything. My habits are all improving but I feel like I am lost at times It’s similar to trying to sign my name with my left hand. This is pronounced if I am moving carrying something. My balance is off. Is there an exercise that you recommend that would help to ingrain a more solid mind body connection for walking down stairs?
Thanks

[T-Rex.]

Please tell me how to walk UPstairs. I am stuck in my basement