Why do we swing our hands when we walk?

Question

Just wondering.

Answer 1

Balance.
The movements in the body skeletal and muscular organs is a complex symphony of movement.
If you were to tape your arms to your side you could walk but it would present balance problems. The swinging of the arms produce a pendulum type of movement that helps to stabilize the body as we move. Pumping of the arms while running is a great visual. Try and run with your arms at your side. You will not be able to run as fast or or have good balance.

Answer 2

It comes from the days when cavemen used to hit the females over the head and drag them by their hair... back to their cave . Once in a while a female would hit a bump in the ground and the caveman would lose his grip and his hand would swing forward.
Evolution then took over.
Those cavemen who lost their grip and left their females on the ground would actually live longer than the general population because they would go out and hunt for another female. And you all know the hunt is good for stress relief - and stress kills.
Thus longer life meant more mates; enabling these hand swinging genes to pass on to more offspring.

Really...

Answer 3

I would think for balance. i hate to see someone swinging too much,it looks crazy.

Answer 4

Try walk without swinging your arms.Then you will get to know the answer.

Answer 5

It's a counter balance whe we shift our hips to walk. I think some women exagerate it more than others. j/k

Answer 6

Reflexes.

Answer 7

It's for balance and momentum.

Answer 8

I don't.....

at least its not very noticeable.