Why we swing our arms when we walk?

@csabiCZ (194)
North Korea
May 6, 2010 9:21am CST
I mean why our arm is moving forward and backwards when we walk. It may be because this way we can walk more easily or faster,or it's just caused by gravity?
7 responses
• Singapore
7 May 10
To keep our body balanced and relax.
• Philippines
6 May 10
we swing our arms cuz it just sorta happens. well, it has some purpose too if that's what you wanna find out. it counterbalances the twisting of our torso so it won't swing that much while walking and it improves our stride that's why if you try walking with your arms still you feel awkward and a little out of balance. there are still a lot of reasons and you can find 'em here. --http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/swing-arms-walking/ good day!
@Sir_bobby88 (8231)
• Singapore
6 May 10
Well i think it will make us balance while walking and more comfortable yea .
@icecubic (1845)
• Indonesia
6 May 10
I'm agree with the sentence above. That's just for balancing our movements like bird's wing so we will be more faster and comfortable. Have a nice day
• India
6 May 10
its so because when you move some force is acting on your body pushing it against the ground hence you walk forward. Now since the whole body is pushing backwards the free part moves opposite to it ie the hands ,they remain free. this was the physical answer but when you grow it becomes like a habit.
• Philippines
6 May 10
I think swaying can help us ease the stress in walking. It helps us walk faster and at a longer time. Our body feels more relax when walking if we sway our hands.
@pumared (514)
• Bulgaria
6 May 10
we swing our arms becaus they are very long.