Run Tall, Run Strong: The Significance of Posture for Runners
Oct 25, 2023Dear Runners,
As you embark on your running journey, don't underestimate the power of good posture. Maintaining proper posture while running is vital for optimizing your performance and reducing the risk of injuries. Being in tune with your bodily proprioception and kinesthesia is critical as a runner!
Whoa wait a second, what does that mean...?
Proprioception: the sense of the position of parts of the body, relative to other neighboring parts of the body. (Ex: My foot is in front of me.)
Kinesthesia: the sense that detects bodily position, weight, or movement of the muscles, tendons, and joints (Ex: I'm walking forwards.)
Now back to the real question...
Here's why posture matters:
-
Improved Breathing: Good upright posture allows for better lung expansion, increasing oxygen intake and enhancing endurance.
-
Enhanced Running Efficiency: Proper alignment reduces energy wastage and helps you cover more ground with each stride.
-
Injury Prevention: Correct posture minimizes stress on your joints, reducing the likelihood of common running injuries.
Great! But now how do we achieve that?
Quick Tips for Better Posture:
-
Engage Your Core: A strong core supports your spine, promoting better posture during runs.
-
Head Up, Shoulders Back: Keep your head up, gaze forward, and draw your shoulders back to avoid slouching.
-
Relax Your Hands: Keep your hands and arms relaxed to prevent tension from traveling up to your shoulders and neck.
By running tall with good posture, you'll unlock your full potential and enjoy a more rewarding and injury-free running experience. Run Tall - Run Strong!
Happy Running!
