If you love running, get your form on track with these 5 tricks
Whether you’re training for a 5k race, preparing to run a
marathon, or simply looking to make running easier on your body,
your running form cannot be overlooked.
Keeping the following tips in mind will help you to maintain
proper running technique while you’re getting those training
miles in the bank!
1. Watch the lean
Leaning too far forward increases the load to the front of your
knee and limits proper arm movement, which can slow you down.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lean forward at the
ankles until your weight just shifts to the balls of your feet.
This is your ideal running angle.
2. Lighten up
Running “hard” or striking your feet on the ground with maximum
force increases the levels of force sent through the body. This
can cause new injuries — or worsen existing conditions — creating
an uncomfortable running experience. To run more lightly,
concentrate on softening the sound your foot makes when it hits
the ground.
3. Don’t bounce or rotate excessively
Running is a linear motion, as you move forward in a straight
line. Although many of the constituent movements at individual
joints and segments require rotation to function correctly, your
body shouldn’t be rotating excessively from side to side.
Excessive rotation counteracts the end goal of making forward
progression. It costs us energy to control and stabilize – a big
inefficiency!
In the same way, your energy should be directed in traveling
forwards not upwards. A slow rate of cadence and therefore over-
stride often results in excessive upwards displacement or
‘bounce’ within the stride.
Also Read: Cycling versus running: Which exercise is better, and why?
4. Control your breathing
Your breathing rhythm when running should fit in with the overall
rhythm that the rest of your body is working to. The ratios with
you inhale and exhale will most likely vary as your intensity of
exercise varies. Getting your breathing right is integral to your
running technique and should be practiced so that you can
maintain your composure on race day as your concentration is
elsewhere.
Also Read: Here’s why running on the spot is bad for your knees and muscles
5. Check your gait
If you experience any kind of pain, something is wrong. Even if
you don’t hurt, there may be flaws in your gait that can be
corrected. Work on your form, invest in some new shoes, and if
that still doesn’t help, go see an expert at a running specialty
shop who can evaluate you professionally.