Groucho Marx Walk

This is a silly walk that emphasizes the hip list, arm and leg swing, and engages the backside of the body. Hinge at the hip to pitch the upper body forward, while sending your weight back on the heels (as you would for a forward fold hamstring stretch). From that position, list onto one leg and swing the opposite arm and leg together. Swing the leg forward to take a step, but try to keep all the weight on the heel. Step onto the leg that swung forward and repeat the process. Put it together to walk forward: still pitched forward in the upper body, hinged at the hip, swinging opposite arm and legs, and keeping the weight on the heels. This is akin to a classic Groucho Marx walk. As you feel the engagement of the backside of your legs moving your forward, gradually hinge to stand upright, and continue your walk.

Audio Version

NOTE: Although I have a memory of this being related to Groucho Marx, I cannot seem to figure out why or where it was from!! This is not quite the classic “duck walk” Groucho is famous for that is somewhat akin to the “silly walks” video we talked about before. If anyone has any clues to this mystery, send it my way!