How your walking style could keep you away from trouble

Melbourne – Muggers can be warded off by just simply changing the way you walk, according to a study.

In the study from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, researchers conducted three experiments to find out if women could make themselves seem less vulnerable, by just changing their walking style.

The researchers claimed that the new walking style must be smooth and consistent or perceivers will be able to detect this attempt to mask a more vulnerable movement style, News.com.au reported.

Out of the three experiments, one in particular proved useful, where five women were videotaped walking normally, then each was put through an individualized “walking training program” and filmed again.

The volunteers were then asked to judge the “vulnerability” level of each woman according to their understanding.

From the study, it appeared that the subjects appeared to be far less vulnerable after the training program

According to the research, some of the key features to be remembered are lengthen your stride, swing you arms more, walk with more energy, make your walk “bouncier” and overall Walk faster.

These signals either suggest you can escape from an attack (long stride, fast walk) or defend yourself (high energy).