For decades, Goldie Hawn charmed audiences with her infectious laugh, radiant positivity, and seemingly boundless energy. Now, at 80, the Oscar winner continues to inspire fans with her youthful outlook on life and surprisingly simple approach to maintaining her health.
The Hollywood icon has long championed the importance of movement, mindfulness, and finding joy in everyday moments. But one of her favorite exercises is so simple that almost anyone can do it in just a few minutes.
In a recent social media post, Goldie called walking "the most important thing you can do" for your health. While few would argue with the benefits of daily walks, it was her unexpected approach to the practice that caught people's attention.
Goldie is in great shape at 80! (Getty)
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Goldie admitted that she enjoys walking backwards, explaining that it uses "a completely different part of the brain.".
It may seem unusual, but experts say the actress is right. Exercise specialist Amelia Phillips claims that walking backwards offers a surprising range of benefits for both the body and the brain.
Goldie's fitness trick can be done in just two minutes (Getty Images)
«"Walking backwards can help prepare the brain for vestibular disorders such as dizziness," Amelia tells HELLO!
«"This exercise is also great for developing balance and coordination. It specifically targets the gluteus maximus, the body's strongest muscle, which is essential for stability.".
Unlike traditional walking, which forces muscles to work in a coordinated manner in a familiar pattern, walking backward forces the body to move differently and pay more attention to the surrounding environment.
The Oscar winner loves to walk backwards (Getty Images).
«"It improves proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its orientation in space," says Amelia.
While it may sound technical, the concept is surprisingly simple. Proprioception allows us to understand where our body is without constantly looking at our feet. It helps us maintain balance, quickly react to changes in terrain, and navigate our environment with confidence.
However, with age, these systems naturally begin to deteriorate. "Proprioception and balance naturally decline with age or after injury, which increases the risk of falls," explains Amelia.
«"Stiffness and muscle weakness can further exacerbate these problems. Backward walking is a simple yet effective functional exercise for maintaining stability and retraining these vital sensory systems.".
For a woman like Goldie, who has earned a reputation for her boundless enthusiasm and active lifestyle, it makes sense that she would choose a sport that supports both physical and cognitive health.
(LR) Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson (FilmMagic)
The actress has often spoken about the importance of caring for the mind as well as the body. Through her foundation, MindUP, she has been advocating for mental well-being, emotional resilience, and mindfulness practices for children and adults for many years.
Backward walking seems to fit perfectly with this philosophy. Because it requires more concentration than regular walking, it encourages people to stay in the present moment and engage with what's happening, rather than simply operating on autopilot.
The best part? You don't have to spend hours doing it. Experts recommend starting with just two to three minutes at a time, three to four times a week. These short sessions are enough to test your balance, activate various muscle groups, and stimulate your brain without putting undue strain on your body.
Of course, safety comes first. "To ensure safety, I recommend practicing against a wall or kitchen counter," advises Amelia.
«"Always wear appropriate footwear and make sure there are no obstacles in your path.".