Who Invented Walking? – The Human History

Walking was one of the first inventions made by man, and it’s said that it was invented in Africa. Humans have learned to walk all over planet earth, others have walked on the moon, and have invented walking robots. But the question is how walking came about and how long humans have been doing it. History suggests that humans started walking around four million years ago. It is unknown who invented walking, but the early man did during evolution when he stopped walking on fours.

How Did People Move From Place To Place Before Walking Was Invented?

Many years ago, before walking was invented, humans had shoes to wrap their feet using a soft piece of cloth, allowing them to walk naturally. As time passed, humans invented modern shoes with thicker soles that have changed how we walk. When the toes are not free, our legs lift the feet off the ground.

Humans can walk 20 miles per day without stopping. A trained walker will do 20 miles comfortably with just a few breaks and meals. Without pauses and moving too fast, a trained walker can cover 30 miles by building their mileage over three to six weeks.

When Did Humans Walk?

Humans started walking at least 3 to six million years ago. Early humans combined both ape-like and human-like ways of moving around during those years. Scientists have studied fossil bones that record a gradual transition from jumping on trees to walking on two legs regularly. The species Sahelanthropus is said to have walked on two legs. Since then, humans have developed numerous ways of walking and found different uses for the sport. When we walk on two legs, we free our hands to make, carry and catch.

Not every walking animal has the same walking ancestor, and many animals walk on two or more legs. Walking created the idea of a mile when Romans decided that 200 steps or 1000 military paces were equals to one mile.

Walking As A Sport

Walking As A Sport

Humans developed long-distance walking as their competitive sport throughout the ages, which became the leading sport in Europe and America around the 1860s up until 1903. During this time, the long-distance walkers were well paid.

 People engage in long walks to raise money through sponsored walks, and this concept has become quite popular in most countries. In the 1990s, walking was among the most popular forms of exercise in the US. Walking helps to prevent heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and other lifestyle diseases.

How Was Walking Invented

Humans walk on two legs, and this way of walking was likely invented to free up our hands for other uses. Learning how to walk on twos was very important in human evolution since humans could make fires and cook food, which helped us develop our complex brains.

According to anthropologists, it is likely that at the start, ape-like animals in the evolutionary past walked upright and used their hands in picking fruits and catching prey. Over the years, humans have found plenty of new uses for walking. When humans started competitive walking, it was a way of showcasing their remarkable feats of achievement. People started embracing walking as a sport and for other uses, and in 100 AD Roman Emperor, Hadrian marched 21 miles daily in full armor, touring his entire empire. Because humans love pushing boundaries of how far they can walk, they invented pedestrianism, an ultra-distance walking.

To see how fast humans can walk, they invented all types of walking, including racewalking, speed walking, power walking, and Afghan walking. It is believed that Afghan walking was invented by caravanners who would ravel about 60 kilometers daily for several days by combining rhythmic breathing and walking.

How Many Miles Should An Average Man Walk?

How Many Miles Should An Average Man Walk

An average person is supposed to walk at least four miles daily to maintain their fitness level. If the goal is to improve stamina, endurance, and fitness, it is recommended that we walk 6 miles per day. All these accounts for both active and passive walks we engage in during the day. 

It’s not advisable to walk longer than 20 miles in training, even though some walkers believe that it would help them build confidence. Each mile you walk past 20 in training will increase your likelihood of injury and add to your recovery time.

How Far Can Humans Walk Without Stopping?

An average healthy person in areas that are not environmentally harsh like deserts can walk as much as 5 miles without resting, although walking over 20 miles a day may be dangerous to you.

Do Shoes Affect Walking?

Your shoes may make a significant impact on how you walk or your gait. The foot movement after every step affects how the rest of the body follows your heel and then lifts off the ground, allowing you to push off from your football and big toe. It’s essential to get the right shoe for walking to help keep your feet healthy, make your physical activity more manageable, and help keep the body safe from injuries. Flat shoes that fit well will help you feel more comfortable when active. The shoe should also suit your activity level tyle and be appropriate for any problem your feet may be experiencing. This will help protect the feet, legs, and joints.

Shoes come in different types; some are more suitable for running, others for walking, and others for hiking. Your walking shoe should be lightweight and add extra shock absorption in your heel and under the ball of the foot. Running shoes should be able to absorb shock and be strong enough to handle the sport. Hiking shoes should be strong to withstand rough terrains and heavy to keep you steady. Knowing the type of shoes will help you choose the right one for comfortable walking.

Conclusion

Walking has been around for several years since humans learned to walk on twos. The early man invented walking during evolution, and since then, it has had many uses.

Leave a Comment