Walking like a penguin keeps Amy on her feet

“I AM no stranger to a sore behind from slipping on ice as the temperature plummets, so when I received the handy tips from NHS Tayside it seemed like a no-brainer to go out and test the unique walking style.

“It seemed simple – bend your knees slightly and keep them loose, point your feet out slightly, extend your arms to your sides, walk flat footed with short, slow steps and keep your centre of gravity over your feet.

“As I walked through the centre of Dundee I have to admit I was a little bit dubious over whether this would actually help to keep me on my feet.

“However I was shortly proven wrong.

“I admittedly probably wasn’t wearing the most sensible pair of shoes.

“Some knock-off UGG boots were my choice and while they are cosy, they don’t really have the best grip.

“This became even more apparent as I almost fell a number of times walking to meet the photographer at Discovery Point.

“The ground surrounding the group of penguin statues was glistening with ice – what better place for me to mimic them and see how long I lasted.

“With fear rising that I might become one of the NHS’s next statistics, I started off with trepidation, but I soon realised I was walking around the area with little to no problems.

“Did I feel like a bit of a numpty? Yes. Did I care when the technique saved me a bruised bum and ego though? Not one bit.

“I think the powers that be at NHS Tayside got this one right and I hope to see many more penguin walkers out and about soon.”

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