So many sports are technique driven: golf, gymnastics, swimming, boxing, martial arts, to name a few. But running, the first sport we all learn, the easiest sport to do anywhere, at any time, get’s left out of our technique training. Which is too bad, because the right technique can ultimately help you become faster and more biomechanically efficient, and have fewer injuries. Here are Health Fitness Revolution’s tips at perfecting your running technique- don’t try them all at once, try integrating one or two at a time, and once they have become habit, work on another point!
At the Start
- Keep your feet pointed straight ahead.
- Look forward and keep your head parallel to the ground—imagine balancing a plate on it.
- Bend your arms to angles of 90 degrees or less.
- Lean forward from your ankles; don’t bend from your waist.
- Keep your knees soft.
In Midair
- Don’t swing your hips from side to side. (You’re not salsa dancing! 🙂 )
- Swing your arms straight back and forth but don’t cross your body’s central line.
- Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
- Think of bending your knees and flexing your ankles to form 90-degree angles.
Back on the Ground
- Shorten your stride. (Your feet should land underneath your hips.)
- Speed up your cadence. (Count how many times one foot hits the ground; aim for 85 to 90 times per minute.)
- Land on the middle of your foot, not your heel.
- After your foot hits the ground, think about squeezing your glutes as you pull your leg back.
