In previous articles on running form, I discussed a common issue runners encounter—namely, lateral hip drop due to weak or inactive hip abductors (article 1 | article 2). In this article, I focus on the basic body position for effective running. A common piece of advice given to runners is to “run tall.” To grasp what this looks like, imagine a straight line draw from your … [Read more...] about Maximizing Body Position for Economical Running
Throw Out Your Desk Chair
Throw out your desk chair? Well, completely ditching it may be a bit extreme. But it might be time to give it up at least on a part-time basis. Here’s why. Chairs are making our lives miserable and sitting too much is literally killing us. If sitting were considered a sport, we would be overtraining big time. Most would consider training for eight hours or more per day … [Read more...] about Throw Out Your Desk Chair
Begin it Now
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.” These lines, often attributed to Goethe, seem particularly appropriate as the calendar turns the page into the New Year. If you have had your sights set on a dream you have never quite been able to act upon, heed the call. Begin it. Begin it now. Here are three … [Read more...] about Begin it Now
Using Video Analysis to Examine Running Gait
The Case of a Runner with Hip Drop In a previous article on this topic, I discussed the important role that the hip abductors play in stabilizing a runner through the gait cycle. The hip abductors—gluteus medius and gluteus minimus—are often weak compared to the hip adductors in runners, which leads to a dropping of the hip opposite the planted leg. If left uncorrected, this … [Read more...] about Using Video Analysis to Examine Running Gait
Overcoming Dropped Hips for Better Running Form
Are you a runner that has dealt with your share of iliotibial (IT) band or knee problems? Are you a new or veteran runner who would like to avoid those problems? Evidence suggests that many of these problems can be overcome by addressing a key weakness that numerous runners exhibit: weak hips.* Running is an activity that takes place primarily in the sagittal plane—meaning … [Read more...] about Overcoming Dropped Hips for Better Running Form