Walking with my dog through midwestern winters has taught me - icewalkers are critical, and deep snow is extremely fatiguing. I have not noticed any increase in muscle over the course of even the snowiest winter!
So sweet, I haven’t noticed any huge muscle gain either! But now you’ve made me wonder — does dog-walking help the body stay stable longer?
I don’t have a pup, but I imagine that pull would impact trunk stability! That, in combination with the midwestern snow, you might be the most stable around!
I didn’t see anything about neurological activity during my research for this piece. But it would be interesting to see how the brain’s coordination centre (the cerebellum) lights up on uneven terrain. Perhaps snow-walkers have higher activity in the cerebellum.
Does this high activity translate to a lower diagnosis of coordination-based symptoms later in life? Do snow-walkers have lower fall rates in summer months?
Interesting! I live in GTA but was in MTL in December. Boy it was quite difficult walking on the unplowed sidewalks . My hip was killing me! I keep thinking how do those who have real issues get around this city in winter!!
That MTL snow can make Toronto’s look like a piece of cake! Your hips have to work so much harder than usual on uneven terrain.
In my city, the municipality plows the sidewalks, but they get so delayed. My neighbours and I shovel our sidewalks for accessibility, but most people don’t anymore. I couldn’t imagine having to use a mobility aid when the sidewalk isn’t cleared until the afternoon. It’s terrible.
Walking with my dog through midwestern winters has taught me - icewalkers are critical, and deep snow is extremely fatiguing. I have not noticed any increase in muscle over the course of even the snowiest winter!
So sweet, I haven’t noticed any huge muscle gain either! But now you’ve made me wonder — does dog-walking help the body stay stable longer?
I don’t have a pup, but I imagine that pull would impact trunk stability! That, in combination with the midwestern snow, you might be the most stable around!
I imagine the pull forces the trunk to work. But for no gain if it affects your posture. I have that conversation with my dog every walk! lol
I'm curious if there is a neurological difference, and if so, what type of implications there could be.
Interesting question!
I didn’t see anything about neurological activity during my research for this piece. But it would be interesting to see how the brain’s coordination centre (the cerebellum) lights up on uneven terrain. Perhaps snow-walkers have higher activity in the cerebellum.
Does this high activity translate to a lower diagnosis of coordination-based symptoms later in life? Do snow-walkers have lower fall rates in summer months?
Much to consider! Thanks for the comment!
Interesting! I live in GTA but was in MTL in December. Boy it was quite difficult walking on the unplowed sidewalks . My hip was killing me! I keep thinking how do those who have real issues get around this city in winter!!
That MTL snow can make Toronto’s look like a piece of cake! Your hips have to work so much harder than usual on uneven terrain.
In my city, the municipality plows the sidewalks, but they get so delayed. My neighbours and I shovel our sidewalks for accessibility, but most people don’t anymore. I couldn’t imagine having to use a mobility aid when the sidewalk isn’t cleared until the afternoon. It’s terrible.
Thank you for reading!