Running is a great way to stay in shape. Many people make resolutions each New Year to start running.
Their hope is that the physical activity will help them to lose weight and improve their cardiovascular health. Indeed, running does offer the benefit of better health to those who use it as their main form of exercise.
However, it is important for those people to develop a proper technique. Running the right way will decrease the risk of injury and allow a person to run faster.
You don't even necessarily need to run outside to practice these principles. If you run on a treadmill, try them while you work out.
When you do run, try to focus on the ground about 15 feet in front of you. Sometimes you may be inclined to look down at your feet, but this is not safe.
You will be able to see what is coming up along your route if you look ahead. If you were to fall into a pothole or step on a rock, you might twist your ankle.
Such an injury would keep you from running for a while. Another way to avoid unnecessary pain is to make sure that the ground is connecting with your foot in the proper way.
Each step should result in your foot striking the ground at about the mid-foot point. If you are running on the tips of your toes, you will cause your shins and calves to tighten.
Striking the ground with the heel at each step is also bad form. A person whose heel strikes first is extending his leg too far on each stride.
Try to focus on getting the middle part of your foot to hit first. You can then allow your foot to roll forward, pushing off with your toes.
It is also important to avoid holding your hands and arms too high as you run. While you may think it is proper form to hold your hands around chest level, it is not.
The hands should be held at about the same height as the hips. Keep your arms in an "L" shape as much as you can.
Keeping your arms in that position will allow you to be more relaxed and comfortable as your run. Holding the arms too high will cause unnecessary fatigue because energy will be wasted in keeping them up.
If the arms are too high, you may also experience muscle strain in your neck and shoulders. Such tension can make running an unpleasant activity.
To further decrease the amount of tension and strain associated with running, you should avoid making fists as you run. This may seem difficult.
Your body will be exerting itself as you run. Your hands may naturally get a little tense.
However, you should try to relax them. If you are unable to get them to relax completely, you can try to hold them in a position that is less tense.
Those who keep their hands clenched in fists while they run will find that they too have neck and shoulder pain. The soreness can be avoided, though, by allowing the hands to relax.
Another good way to avoid any discomfort during or after a run is to make sure that you are holding your body straight. The more tired we get, the more likely we are to slouch forward.
When you are running, though, this can lead to back and neck pain. Try to keep your back and neck in a straight line.
Every once in a while, check whether you are keeping a good posture. If you are not, push your chest out a little.
You should also allow your shoulders to relax, but do not allow them to roll forward. Shoulders that are too far forward may prevent you from taking a full breath.
Pay attention as well to the point at which your arms are moving. If your arms are moving at the elbow, this is a problem.
Make sure that your arms move back and forth at the shoulder. Moving your arms at the proper point will prevent soreness.
The last thing to remember is to keep your feet close to the ground. Maintain a stride that does not put you too high in the air.
The impact of hitting the ground causes strain on the muscles and joints of the lower body. To decrease those effects, it is important that you lessen the degree of the impact your body experiences.
By observing all these principles of good running technique, you will be able to get the most out of running. It may just become your favorite pastime.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor has worked in the exercise and health industry for 31 years. He recommends using treadmill reviews before making a purchase of home exercise equipment.
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