A good posture is essential in a proper running form. In an article for the Huffington Post, Jason Fitzgerald, Greatist’s expert on competitive running, describes how to achieve an ideal running posture. Together with foot strikes that amply support your body weight and an optimal cadence of 170-180 steps per minute, this can help make your runs safer and more enjoyable.
Slouching, or leaning from the waist, is a common problem for many runners who try too hard to perfect that “forward lean” they heard was part of proper running form. While a slight forward lean is part of good form, it should come from the ankles, not the waist.
The best part? A slight forward lean from the ankles happens naturally without even trying. So don’t consciously try to lean forward. Instead, focus on running tall with a straight, erect posture.
To help you remember, pretend a string is attached to the top of your head and an imaginary giant is pulling it upward toward the sky. Creepy? Perhaps. But it’s an effective way to reinforce a tall, straight back with no slouching.
Working on your running form can be more difficult if you have special conditions. Here are two challenges that a Rocklin chiropractic provider can help you with.
When you have excessive weight
Being overweight or obese could prevent you from being comfortable, or from lasting long when running. The extra weight could place a significant impact or strain on your joints, bones, and muscles, especially if you don’t pace yourself. Additionally, running too fast or not doing warm-ups could make it hard to catch your breath and get enough oxygen to nourish your body during the fitness regimen.
When you have chronic pain
Chronic pain may come from overuse injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions that may result to damaged tissues or nerve impingement (inflammation). It may also be caused by subluxation or the misalignment of the vertebrae. Running for a long time, having an improper posture during workouts, or suffering accidents may be the main culprits.
Specialists in chiropractic in Rocklin can help you enjoy and maximize your running experience through a comprehensive treatment plan to target your needs. You can sign up for surge training in innovative facilities like New Life Chiropractic, to lose fat and build muscle healthily. You can also receive chiropractic therapies to treat recurring pains and discomfort. Together with nourishing your mind and body and ridding it of toxins, these approaches can help you overcome the obstacles in having the best runs of your life.
(Source: 3 Simple Tricks To Improve Running Form (And Have The Best Run Ever), Huffington Post, November 19, 2014)