How Smart Is Your Right Foot?
Status: True
Below is an email that's going around. Maybe it's been circulating for years, but I received it for the first time today. It makes a claim that seems dubious at first. But, upon experimentation, appears to be true. At least, it's true for me. There must be a scientific explanation for this phenomenon. The question is: does it hold true for everyone? And is it possible to counteract this reflex through force of will?This is so funny that it will boggle your mind. And you will keep trying it at least 50 more times to see if you can outsmart your foot. But you can't!!!
1. While sitting at your desk, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles with it.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number "6" in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!!!
I told you so... And there is nothing you can do about it.
Posted By: Alex | Date: Thu Oct 06, 2005 | Permalink |
Total Comments: 79
Category: Body Manipulation
Category: Body Manipulation
Listed in chronological order. Newest comments at the end.
Page 3 of 4 pages < 1 2 3 4 >
I can do it with my right foot and hand, no problem. It was so easy, I was wondering if the whole thing was a fake. But then I tried the left side, and my foot started going side-to-side when I made the 6.
Posted by Mark on Wed Jan 25, 2006 at 09:26 AM
It's a matter of right-brain/left-brain connection... we had to do this in one of my classes two years ago
I used to be able to do it really well, now it takes me three or four tries... I can move my hands in opposite directions with no effort at all, but it's kinda difficult for me to do this one
Posted by kasu-chan on Fri Jan 27, 2006 at 07:03 PM
I used to be able to do it really well, now it takes me three or four tries... I can move my hands in opposite directions with no effort at all, but it's kinda difficult for me to do this one
this was easy. my foot did not change direction. i even started at the top of the 6.
Posted by he dunnit on Sat Jun 10, 2006 at 08:41 AM
Seriously, if I hadn't been reading all your comments saying that your foot actually did something you didn't want it to do, I wouldn't believe it! I tried this and nothing happened for me... I mean, my foot kept going around and around as I drew the 6 a dozen times (starting at the top as you're "supposed" to). Weird. Maybe I'm a freak of nature? I wonder what it means about my brain... hmmm...
Posted by Erin in Ottawa on Sun Oct 15, 2006 at 04:24 PM
My teacher presented this challenge to my class. She said it was impossible. But, she was wrong. I CAN do this. It has to do with having very good coordination. Though, nobody else in my class, or anywhere i have tried this, can do it.
Posted by Taylor Cogsil in does it matter? on Tue Oct 24, 2006 at 06:12 PM
I can do it.
Every once in a while I have a hard time. But the majority time I can.
Who thinks of this stuff?
Posted by Carter S on Wed Oct 25, 2006 at 07:53 AM
Every once in a while I have a hard time. But the majority time I can.
Who thinks of this stuff?
You know, the numebr of people responding that they can do it strikes a chord with me . . . I could never do the "Pat head/Rub Belly" thing for years until I started doing fine manipulation like painting miniatures, drawing and typing; Maybe it is a skill that can develop with increasing fine motor skills?
Posted by DFStuckey in Auckland New Zealand on Tue Oct 31, 2006 at 06:24 PM
I think no one ever can actually do it the FIRST TIME, but once you're aware of it.....
Posted by hairymon in NY on Fri Nov 10, 2006 at 12:56 PM
I had no problem from the very first try and I am not a very coordinated person (trip over my own feet, etc.) I'm going to test the people at work today.
Posted by Kim in Pennsylvania on Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 08:29 AM
I did it just fine over and over, no problem!
Posted by Kristi in California on Fri Jan 05, 2007 at 11:12 PM
This is pissing me off. I cant do it no matter how hard I try, so I decided to challange my 17 year old son. He can do it without any concentration or problem. It's not fair!!!!
Posted by Dale Rios in CA. on Fri Jan 05, 2007 at 11:41 PM
depends on how you draw a "6" if you start from the top or the inside.
Posted by Absinthe on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 06:23 AM
That was so odd! I tried it and my foot started going up and down and then from side to side....But not in a cercal. It is realy easy if you start from the inside of the six because both are going clockwise and the other way, one is going clock wise and the other counterclockwise.
Posted by Esther in Arizona on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 07:37 AM
I also noticed that most of the lefties can do it much better than the people who are right handed..I havn't yet figured out why this is so. 
Posted by Esther in Arizona on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 07:49 AM
Try doing your own taxes without pulling out your hair. You can't do that either, but the foot trick is much more fun!
Posted by KEVIN SCHMIDT, STERLING VA on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 08:42 AM
This only works if you make a number 6 incorrectly, starting your loop from the top down. Didn't we all learn in school, some to the point of abuse, that you start the number 6 in the center, not the top?
Posted by Wes in Chicago on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 09:20 AM
I wonder if this is easier for a musician? I play piano & have no problem doing it. I think I overcame this limitation when I learned to play 2-against-3. Anybody else?
Posted by Carla in Fort Worth, Tx on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 09:31 AM
I tried this and didn't succeed with first 4 tries, but when I tried it again starting in the middle of the six, it was a lot easier. So for all of you who succeeded by starting at the top of the six must be weird indeed.
Posted by Lilly in Reno Nevada on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 11:45 AM
WOW...."LOL" This is a new phenomonia for me today.
Posted by Christine in Missouri on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 11:52 AM
I had no problem doing this with either my rights or my lefts. The key for me was pretty simple - focus on your foot. My brain can draw the 6 without my attention, so as long as I kept my focus on my food going the right direction, it was easy
Posted by Sarah in Grand Junction, CO on Sat Jan 06, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Page 3 of 4 pages < 1 2 3 4 >