Goldie Hawn has spent decades charming audiences with her infectious laugh, radiant positivity and seemingly endless energy. Now, at 80, the Oscar-winning actress continues to inspire fans with her youthful outlook on life and her refreshingly simple approach to staying healthy.
The Hollywood icon has long championed the importance of movement, mindfulness and finding joy in everyday moments. But one of her favourite exercises is so simple that almost anyone can do it in just a matter of minutes.
In a recent social media post, Goldie described walking as "the most important thing you can do" for your health. While few would disagree with the benefits of a daily stroll, it was her unexpected twist on the practice that caught people's attention.
© GettyGoldie revealed she is a fan of walking backwards, explaining that it uses "a whole different part of your brain".
It may sound unusual, but according to experts, the actress is onto something. Exercise scientist Amelia Phillips says backward walking offers a surprising range of benefits for both the body and the brain.
© Getty Images"You can use walking backwards to train the brain for vestibular issues like vertigo," Amelia tells HELLO!
"It's also excellent for challenging balance and coordination. It specifically targets the gluteus maximus, the body's powerhouse muscle, which is essential for stability."
Unlike traditional walking, which relies on muscles working together in a familiar pattern, walking backwards forces the body to move differently and pay closer attention to its surroundings.
© Getty Images"This improves proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its orientation in space," says Amelia.
While that may sound technical, the concept is surprisingly straightforward. Proprioception is what allows us to know where our body is positioned without constantly looking down at our feet. It helps us maintain balance, react quickly to changes in terrain and move confidently through our environment.
As we age, however, these systems naturally begin to decline. "Proprioception and balance naturally decline with age or injury, increasing the risk of falls," Amelia explains.
"Stiffness and muscle weakness can further compound these issues. Walking backwards is a simple yet effective functional exercise to maintain stability and retrain these vital sensory systems."
For someone like Goldie, who has built a reputation for her boundless enthusiasm and active lifestyle, it makes perfect sense that she would embrace an exercise that supports both physical and cognitive health.
© FilmMagicThe actress has often spoken about the importance of looking after the mind as much as the body. Through her MindUP foundation, she has spent years advocating for mental wellbeing, emotional resilience and mindfulness practices for children and adults alike.
Walking backwards appears to fit neatly into that philosophy. Because it requires greater concentration than ordinary walking, it encourages people to stay present and engaged in the moment rather than simply operating on autopilot.
The best part? You don't need to spend hours doing it. Experts recommend starting with just two to three minutes at a time, three or four times a week. Those short sessions are enough to challenge balance, activate different muscle groups and stimulate the brain without putting excessive strain on the body.
Of course, safety comes first. "To stay safe, I recommend practising alongside a wall or kitchen counter for support," Amelia advises.
"Always wear suitable footwear and ensure your path is clear of any obstacles."
