Whether you are a seasoned marathoner or an eager beginner in the marathon world, maintaining a good form and proper posture when running will not only save your career but also your health.
The condition of your body is the most valuable asset for any athlete, especially a runner. It is this condition that will determine the extent of success you achieve in your running career. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to any minor aches, pains, or discomfort that you experience during or after running, as they may be signs that you need to correct something.
Posture and Running
Carrying your entire body in a certain way is known as posture. This involves the placement of your arms and legs with respect to your torso. Running effectiveness can be influenced by your posture, and having good form could be the difference between winning and merely finishing. Successful athletes place a strong emphasis on their running stance, and work to refine it until they find the ideal position. To attain proper running posture, here are some suggestions:
Proper head positioning is crucial in maintaining good posture while running, which ultimately affects efficiency. Keep your gaze straight ahead, avoiding looking down at your feet, and scan the horizon. This aligns your neck and back and prevents your chin from jutting out. For optimal performance, maintain low and relaxed shoulders and prevent them from creeping towards your ears. Keep your arms swinging forward and back between waist and lower-chest level, with your elbows bent at a 90-degree angle, and maintain an unclenched fist. Keep your torso straight and upright, imagining yourself “running tall.” Proper torso position affects the alignment of your hips, while a slight knee lift, quick leg turnover, and short stride facilitate fluid forward movement. Ensure your feet land lightly between your heel and midfoot, rolling forward and springing off the ground quietly.
Why is Running Posture Important?
Efficient Running. Keeping your upper body facing forward and your head lifted has the advantage of helping you stay aware of your surroundings. Additionally, standing upright can enhance your lung capacity as it allows your lungs to fully expand. This can lead to improved breathing and increased endurance, making it easier for your body to generate the necessary energy to finish the race, or even win it. Maintaining proper posture is equally important when running on a treadmill. Leaning forward can compromise your form, increasing pressure on your spine and giving rise to back or knee problems. In this case, it’s recommended to slow down and start walking on the treadmill while focusing on posture. Alternatively, walking barefoot on a treadmill allows you to feel your foot strike and be more attentive to your overall position.
By observing proper running posture, you can prevent the discomfort and potential injury to your joints and muscles. This could range from mild to severe damage, including sore back and shoulder muscles. Such injuries not only affect your health but also hinder your running career. If you experience back pain, you can use lower back braces for running to support your back and continue your training. Maintaining a relaxed body posture during running can have a positive impact on your mindset, making you feel more comfortable, optimistic and motivated. Your posture during running is crucial and can make or break your career. By following these tips, you can enhance your performance and see improvements.
Do you attach significance to your running posture as a runner? How do you make certain that your posture is optimal during your runs? Kindly share your personal experience.
