For nearly two decades, Cynthia Ann Miller has worked as an attorney at her private practice in Hinsdale, IL. During this time, the Hinsdale, IL, resident has focused her work on commercial and residential real estate, serving buyers and sellers. In her free time, Cynthia Miller enjoys hiking.

Downhill hiking puts more wear and tear on muscles and joints than any other type of hiking, particularly when done improperly. Many people lean back as they descend in an effort to stay balanced; however, it’s best not to lean at all. Instead, hikers must keep their weight over their feet, ensuring they maintain a strong center of gravity. This is usually best done by taking small steps so they don’t throw off their balance.

Further, it’s best if hikers lower their center of balance by bending their knees. Doing so makes it easier to fall uphill if hikers are descending too quickly, and grants hikers better control over their feet and body. Bending knees when going downhill has the added benefit of reducing impact on them. When knees are bent, the muscles take most of the strain during downhill hiking instead.

For downhill sections that are particularly steep, hikers may have to employ different techniques as they descend, such as switchbacks. With this type of hiking, individuals walk down a trail from side to side. This lets them descend slowly and grants better control. Walking down a trail backward, as if it was a ladder, can also be helpful when traversing particularly steep areas.