Walking backwards may give exercise a healthy boost forward.

Known as retro walking, the trend is finding its stride online, on treadmills, and in pools throughout Toledo.

“It is a trend going around online,” said Heather Swain, a physical therapist at Ally Total Physical Therapy on Secor Road in Toledo. “Some people just like mixing it up.”

While the origins of walking backwards are attributed to ancient Chinese practices, the American College of Sports Medicine assigns various exercises a metabolic equivalent of task, MET, with a higher number representing more intense activity.

Moderate walking has been assigned 3.5 METs and backward walking is 6 METs.

“Walking forward is automatic,” said Thomas Hallett II, CEO and founder of PT Link Physical Therapy. “It takes more cognition and m

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