The Value of Assessing Your Running Form

Chances are, no one told you exactly how to run. You just started running as a toddler to get somewhere faster than walking. While we all have our own unique way of moving, if you now consider yourself a “runner,” you may need to take a closer look at your form. When it comes to running, there are some right and wrong ways of doing it – especially if you want to prevent injury or improve your time!

If you are an avid runner, you know that there are many factors that can influence how well you perform, including the weather, terrain, hydration and how well you feel on that particular day. Your running form is yet another very important element of your performance, and one that you can control.

While it may not be easy to change your posture, foot strike or arm movement after years of running, it can go a long way to help you enjoy this activity with better results and less injury. A brief and simple analyzation of your running form can offer the following key benefits:

• Identify areas of your body that are getting too much stress or pressure
• Correct flaws and improve running efficiency
• Become less prone to injury
• Help your body work better for longer distances and faster times

Running is an activity that undoubtedly puts a lot of stress on your body, especially if you do it often or have been a runner for many years. It is not uncommon for runners to experience pain and dysfunction in their knees, hips and ankles. Before you assume that you need to hang up your running shoes for good, take the time to analyze your running form. Just one minor tweak in your form can allow your body to work in a way that won’t cause pain and damage to your joints.

At Manhattan Sports Therapy, we love helping runners do what they love without pain. To this end, we have experts that can assess your running form on a treadmill and carefully explain what may be causing your discomfort or struggle to improve your time or distance. Call our clinic today to book your evaluation today.