If there is one thing out there that you have to do regularly, it is working out. The older you get, the more you understand just how important it is and how much of a positive impact it could have on your life. Your physical and mental wellbeing are exponentially improved once you start consistently exercising. Unfortunately, doing so is often easier said than done. The task often proves cumbersome, and hitting the gym isn’t as exciting as it sounds. One of the better options out there is going running. It is a full-body workout that is even better for your overall health than lifting weights. The trick, though, is in doing it right, because yes, there are proper running techniques and forms that you should keep in mind.
Upper Body Positioning
Most people make the mistake of assuming that running is all about the lower body and how your legs are moving, but that isn’t exactly true. Your upper body, and in particular your head, also need to be perfectly aligned. Proper running form means keeping your head up ֖ eyes straight ahead. Never look at your feet, which a lot of people do for some reason. Looking straight ahead helps you maintain good posture, and it keeps the proper alignment of your spine, which is the most important thing for any form of exercise. It is also good practice because you can see anything come your way, and you’ll be able to avoid any obstacles and falling.
Feet Alignment
Generally speaking, there isn’t exactly a single right way for your feet to land on the ground. The important thing is properly hitting the ground, which experts suggest you do use the ball of your foot. Trying to run on your toes or landing your heels first is just asking for a serious injury. As explained on findmyfootwear, one more thing you will have to consider here is the type of your feet, because this will make a difference in the kind of running shoes you’re going for and in turn avoiding injury. If you have flat feet, then you need to get special running shoes with arch support to compensate for the absence of natural arching. This is important because it helps you avoid strain, pain, and injury while running since your feet don’t have the natural arching that is supposed to do that.
Hands at Waist Level
Optimal running posture means keeping your hands at your waist level ideally. You should keep them bent at a 90-degree angle to avoid feeling tired and keep them at a position closer to your hips. Some runners hold them higher, which can lead to strain and tension in your shoulders, neck, and upper back. So, avoid keeping them at your chest level and lower them to your waist.
Shoulders
You have to open up your shoulders while running. Pull them back as much as you can, as if you are trying to touch your shoulder blades together. Hunching is very bad for your posture and your endurance levels, and it will also affect your speed and your ability to accelerate. You need to also try to move your shoulders in opposite movements to one another. More importantly, don’t shrug your shoulders. If they are shrugged all the way to your ears, squeeze your shoulders blades back and try to keep them in that position.
Hips/ Knees Movement
When it comes to your hips movement, you can’t be running upright. You need to somewhat lean into it and keep your hips leaning a little bit. This will help you accelerate and gain the momentum you need for running. The torso should be slightly ahead of the hips, too, and this will help your body generate power. Moving a little to the inside, you need to make sure your knees are over your feet when they hit the ground. So, make sure the knees are centered properly in the middle of the foot when it hits the ground. This will help you maintain proper posture while running and protect your entire legs from injuries. So, avoid keeping the knee up to a 90-degree angle, especially if you’re running on a flat road. It’s best, in that case, to keep it low.
Follow our guide to reap the health benefits of running without risking injury or muscle fatigue. While you want to make sure that you wear the right shoes for this activity, it’s also important to keep an eye on your body posture and how you land on your feet. These tips will make running feel more natural while easing the strain on your joints and muscles.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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