Monday, March 15, 2010

Running Form

Everybody has a different body. That means that we may have different prescriptions for correct running posture and style. Runners should find the best style for their own running comfort.

Stand Up Straight

You will find that a good, erect posture is most efficient for running. This style will keep your force of gravity perpendicular to the ground. You can check yourself by looking in your reflection as you run past the front windows of the stores on your route. When done properly, you will feel like your head, torso and hips are all moving together as one unit.

Stay Low

To reduce impact to the knees and improve your speed, it is best to keep your feet low to the ground. This also keeps your “RPM’s” speedier.

Relax!

Keeping your muscles relaxed (not tense), you can reduce the stress on your body. You will also be conserving energy.

Pay It Forward

Focus your motion forward. Hips, shoulders, arms and legs should all be pointing straight ahead. Make sure not to let the arms stray.

Step Lightly

Make sure to keep your steps light. Don’t allow your legs and feet to pound the pavement. This will cause undue stress on the joints. Use the ankles to flick the legs forward and not overuse the hamstrings and other major muscles.

Breathe Deeply

Keep your breathing focused on the belly, the way a baby breathes. Keep your breaths out of the chest while keeping the chest forward and better aligned for optimal breathing.

Come in to BOOTCAMP 619 and join us for one of our challenging workouts. By joining a group, you can exchange ideas and compare them with what works best for your body!

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