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Walking is often hailed as a cornerstone for physical health . Popular walking practices like 10k steps challenge or interval walking are celebrated to improve physical fitness. However, a slightly underhyped walking technique is now getting recognized by emerging studies for its ultimate benefits to the nervous system . Rooted in traditional practices, the Infinity walk is tracing the steps in a figure-8 pattern to help brain and balance .


Walking in figure-8 pattern: What is the Infinity walkDeveloped by clinical psychologist Deborah Sunbeck in the 1980s, the Infinity walk involves walking in a continuous figure-8 pattern, as if walking in an infinite loop. With focusing on a visual target, this walking technique is considered to progressively develop coordination and integrate sensory and motor functions.


Brain and balance: Benefits of Infinity walking The infinity walking technique is like a workout for the brain. Studies suggest that infinity walk sharpens focus, enhances balance, and calms the nervous system.

Walking in a figure-8 pattern requires both left and right hemispheres of the brain to work in sync. The left hemisphere handles logical tasks and the right hemisphere handles spatial awareness and balance. A , utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has demonstrated that when we walk in an 8-pattern, the brain coordinates multiple things at the same time.

The figure-8 pattern walk constantly changes direction. Each turn and curve engages the core muscles and stabilizing muscles of legs and hips. A suggests continuous adjustment forces the brain and muscles to work together to maintain balance. This way the body learns to make micro-adjustments to stay upright, enhancing overall posture.


Can infinity walk help regulate emotions?There aren’t many specific studies about infinity walking and its benefits to emotional regulation. However, a number of studies have concrete findings that engaging in rhythmic and mindful movement can significantly impact emotional regulation, stress reduction, and cognitive clarity. Since infinite walking also incorporates rhythmic movements of walking in a loop, it is likely that it can also activate the . This activation may help counterbalance the body's stress response, leading to a reduction in overall stress levels.


Simple guide for the Infinity walking pattern

• Find an open space where you can walk in figure 8
• Walk forward in a smooth curve to create one loop of the 8
• Imagine drawing an infinity symbol on the ground
• Walk continuously in the figure-8 pattern for 5–10 minutes
• Try to increase your walking speed as you improve

Infinity walk in rehabilitation programs
The Infinity Walk has been integrated into various rehabilitation programs to aid recovery in individuals with neurological conditions.

• Stroke rehabilitation: This technique has shown to improve walking speed and distance in stroke patients.
• Parkinson’s disease: Structured walking exercises help in managing symptoms such as freezing of gait and balance issues.

The Infinity Walk is a simple yet powerful way to benefit both the brain and body. Walking in a figure-8 pattern helps the brain work more efficiently, improves balance, strengthens core muscles, and can even reduce stress. Just a few minutes of this walking each day can help boost mental clarity, improve coordination, and calm the nervous system, making it an easy practice for better overall health.

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