Running Tips To Improve Safety And Efficiency

Many people are unprepared when they start running so their exercise regime only lasts a few weeks. Often their bodies begin to hurt because they have a faulty running technique. This article will outline a few simple running tips which will help you avoid these problems. You will then be able to run safely and regularly, without having to give up because of an easily avoidable injury.

Firstly you should try not to land on your heel. This is a common mistake which is easy to fix. The heel is not cushioned so when you land on it, it puts unnecessary stress on the rest of the leg. This is the tip which you should make sure you implement first of all, as it will enable you to run faster while putting less stress on the shins and knees, and can help to prevent shin splints. You should also try to avoid stretching your stride as this can make you run very inefficiently. Running like this pushes your leg away from your centre of balance which means you have to place extra force on your hip to allow your body to catch up with your front foot.

Another beginners’ running … Read more at FryingPanSports

3 Quick Running Tips For Beginners

 

Many people who start out running simply pull on their new running shoes and set off around their local streets or parks. Often, they retire from their fitness regime within a few weeks because their knees start playing up, or their hips or lower back hurt so much both during exercise and afterwards. The problem is that nobody teaches us how to run properly, and most beginners’ injuries are a result of poor technique. Here are a few simple tips which will help you to ward off unnecessary overuse injuries such as shin splints and painful joints.

  1. Stop Heel Striking – landing on the heel of the front foot is very common among beginners because they stretch their leg forward, locking the knee, when they stride. Unfortunately, the human heel is not cushioned and is designed mainly for balance. So if you only try out one of these running tips for beginners, this is the one to incorporate into your exercise: always aim to land on your forefoot. This allows you to make effective use of your foot’s natural shock absorber in the arch, and also provides some elastic recoil, which will enable you to run faster with less
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The Pros And Cons Of Barefoot Running

A woman wears Vibram "Five Fingers" ...
Image via Wikipedia

Barefoot running seems to be going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment. There is so much information on the internet about it and books like ‘Born To Run’ by Christopher McDougall have helped to popularize the form of running throughout the western world. You can buy special protective shoes like the Vibram Five Fingers to protect you feet but still give you that barefoot experience. Even Nike has jumped on the bandwagon with their running shoe the Nike Free which claims to simulate barefoot running while running in a shoe. You’ve got to give the guys at Nike credit for that one; they’ve managed to sell a shoe that gives you benefits of running barefoot. Anyone else thinking of selling ice to Eskimos?

I’m not a barefoot running convert, so don’t think I’m going to spend the next 500 words rambling on about how great barefoot running is. Instead, I aim to discuss the benefits and draw backs of barefoot running. It’s a subject I’ve been thinking about quite a bit recently as one of my friends has just started to work barefoot runs in to her workout and she won’t shut about how … Read more at FryingPanSports

Runners Knee And Running Shoes

Capsule of right knee-joint (distended). Later...
Image via Wikipedia

Runner’s knee is the bane of many runners, simply because it is such a common but frustrating injury. If it isn’t properly treated it can linger for months if not years, and may never go away unless someone who understands the condition treats the runner. So what can you do about runner’s knee, and more importantly what can you do to help prevent it?

The proper footwear is essential if you want to avoid getting runners knee. It’s no wonder that many people get the condition when they are running on hard surfaces without footwear which cushions the foot. If you have flat feet, then buying running shoes with extra arch support is very important as this stops the tibia rotating inwards. When the tibia rotates inwards it changes the biomechanics of the leg and can lead to excess cartilage wear and, over time, runner’s knee.
One thing to remember is that runner’s knee is not a very accurate description. There are numerous conditions that could be classed as running knee, and health professionals often won’t differentiate between them. If you think you have runners knee – which could mean patella tendonitis, patellofemoral syndrome or something … Read more at FryingPanSports