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
Form
Video: Leg Swings
This video demonstrates three types of leg swings that runners and triathletes can incorporate into their dynamic warmup and warmdown. Leg swings are designed to warmup muscles and increase mobility around the hip joint prior to activity. There are three movement patterns for these leg swings. The first two are based on the spiral-diagonal movement patterns that arise … [Read more...] about Video: Leg Swings
Drills for Proper Running Form
Runners who regularly incorporate drills into their training are better able to recruit muscles needed for the task, leaving them less injury-prone. And when the going gets tough, they are more efficient than the runner who doesn't work on proper form. Given that an improvement to running economy can be just as good as an improvement in V̇O2max when it comes to that final … [Read more...] about Drills for Proper Running Form
Swimming Drills Library: Catch-up Drill
Have you ever noticed how the faster boats are the longer boats (think a rowing team’s racing shell versus a fisherman’s rowboat)? The same physics that apply to building a fast racing boat apply to the human body moving through the water. The catch-up drill will help you focus on maintaining a long body in the water. To do the drill, maintain your non-stroking arm … [Read more...] about Swimming Drills Library: Catch-up Drill
Swimming Drills Library: Fists Drill
Instead of swimming with paddles, the fists drill is more like swimming with anti-paddles. Just as the name implies, close up your hands into fists and swim. If you feel like you aren’t getting very far, remember to keep your elbow high during the pull phase of the stroke. Let your arm seek out the optimal position that grips the water and provides the most … [Read more...] about Swimming Drills Library: Fists Drill