What Your Walk Reveals

Ever wonder what people think when they see you walking down the street? The answer may be more revealing than you'd expect. Body language expert Kevin Hogan, Pys.D., and author of Irresistible Attraction: Secrets of Personal Magnetism, (KevinHogan.com) fills us in.

thebigdurian, Flickr

You're Innocent (Ha!)
When you hold your hands together in front of you, creating a V-shape, you come across as open and slightly innocent. You'll draw people to you with this inviting stance and some may even feel protective of you.


jpellgen, Flickr

You're in Charge
Got a long stride and eyes that stay focused on your destination? No one will mistake you as a wallflower with this walk. Here, you are broadcasting that you know where you're going, like things your way, and have confidence to spare.


CellPhoneSusie, Flickr

You're Nervous
Tucking your hair behind your ears, scratching your nose, or rubbing your arms makes you look anxious. Fiddling may just be an old habit to you, but those watching you will think you're nervous and maybe even dishonest.


Suzba, Flickr

You're on the Warpath
You may be trying to do a sexy, runway walk, but keeping your hands on your hips achieves exactly the opposite. Others will perceive you as hostile and super aggressive. You'll come across much hotter if you keep your shoulders back and arms at your side.


christopherl, Flickr

You're Blazing-Hot in Bed
A recent study found that you (er, scientists at least) can infer a woman's potential for vaginal orgasms by the way she walks. It sounds crazy, but according to the research-published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine- a woman with an energetic, fluid stride climaxes more often than someone with a shorter stride. (This gives new meaning to the phrase "pep in your step"!)


thepolitegirls, Flickr

You're a Multi-Tasker
A fast walker who's on her phone or searching through her bag has a "back-off" vibe. You're probably just trying to make the most of your time, but you're sending a serious unapproachable signal. Lose the speediness and continue to use your phone or look through your purse and you'll be seen as much more welcoming.


chrisjohnbeckett, Flickr

You're Knock-Upabble
According to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Medicine that used motion-capture technology, women walk slightly differently when they're ovulating. Researchers then showed men clips of women walking and had them rate their attractiveness, and found that men were actually more attracted to the women who weren't in their fertile phase.


Springsun, Flickr

You're Gritting Your Teeth
A stiff upper body and arms that don't move broadcast that you're feeling tense. You may just have something on your mind, but those around you will perceive you as being pissed or uncomfortable. For a more natural look, lower your shoulders and gently swing your arms as you stride.


Daniel Morris, Flickr

You're a Free Spirit
Being a slowpoke shows that you live in a world of your own. You're not concerned with keeping up with those around you and take your time to do things exactly how you want – relaxed and unhurried. Those with short, leisurely strides fall into the same category.


lisatozzi, Flickr