Common Problems with Running Form
Anyone can lace on a pair of running shoes and head out their front door for a run. It’s a great, cost-effective way to exercise and can be done anywhere. But like any form of exercise, no matter how free you feel out on the beach or roadside, there is a proper technique that will help you optimize your movements and stay injury-free. Here are a few of the most common breaches in proper running form.

Lazy Posture
Lazy posture comes in many forms, such as staring at your feet when you run, letting your shoulders or upper back fall forward, or letting your arms swing across your torso. Your torso should be upright with your shoulders back and eyes forward while slightly leaning into the run. Your arms should swing forward and backward with the elbows at 90-degree angles, slightly brushing against your hips with every swing.

Unnecessary Tension
Any tension diverts energy away from your run, and the most common body parts that tense up are the shoulders and hands. If your neck starts to feel sore while running, drop your shoulders and shake out your arms to relax those muscles. If you find that your hands are balled in tight fists, shake them out and act like you are holding a potato chip between your thumb and pointer finger.

Striking Wrong
Many people strike the ground with their heels or their toes taking most, if not all, of the impact, and they fail to use each step to propel themselves forward. The entire bottom of your foot should make contact with the ground to cushion the impact. When you push off, use the balls of your feet to drive yourself forward. Too much impact on one part of the foot can lead to pain in your shins and even tendonitis.

Everyone has a different running style, so using a specialized approach to improve your technique is often beneficial. Our trainers are here to help you through our runner’s analysis program. Check it out on our website or give us a call if you have any questions.