Walking Post podcast 17: Gait Happens on Japanese walking, and Brighton tops the charts

This week, we’re talking about Japanese walking, with Dr Milica McDowell, VP of operations at Gait Happens, and Brighton & Hove being named the best city in the UK for walking, with Brighton and Hove City Council’s walking officer, Delphine Jacq.Interview times:05:28 Brighton21:05 Gait HappensGait HappensWhile it’s not a new phenomenon, you might think it is – Japanese walking is appearing all over social media as a great way to get a workout from walking. But is it? What is it?To answer all of our questions, we thought we’d better to talk to an expert, and she is Dr Milica McDowell, from the US company Gait Happens, which provides high quality, cutting-edge foot education in the form of courses including online.The company’s approach is to treat the body as a whole functioning system through the lens of foot and gait mechanics using a combination of movement assessments, biomechanical analysis, gait analysis, corrective strategies and tools like toe spacers, proper footwear, and in some cases, foot orthotics when needed.Brighton & HoveBrighton & Hove was recently named the most walkable city in the UK and the third most walkable in the world by Time Out.The city said it is committed to creating environments that make walking easier, safer and more accessible for everyone. Current infrastructure improvements include: Safe, active and sustainable travel for the A259 – a new interconnected route for walking and cycling along the seafront from the Marina to the city’s western boundary, the A23 Active Travel scheme, Valley Gardens Phase 3 overview and improvements to the Western Road.The city’s Let’s Get Moving Strategy sets out a vision to make the city a place where everyone has the opportunity, encouragement, and environment to move more and live well.To tell us about the improvements, and why Brighton & Hove is a great place for walking, we spoke with Brighton & Hove Council’s walking officer, Delphine Jacq.To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]