Why Have Correct Running Technique: The Importance of Proper Form
Are you a runner who has been experiencing frequent injuries or struggling to improve your running performance? It may be time to evaluate your running technique. Proper form is essential for runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes. In this article, we will explore why having correct running technique is crucial and how it can improve your running experience.
Running is a great form of exercise that can benefit your physical and mental health. However, it is important to ensure that you are running with proper form to avoid injury and maximise performance. Poor running technique can lead to discomfort, strain, and, after a build-up of micro-trauma – pain – in various parts of the body, including the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. The goal of creating correct running technique is to minimise the impact on your body, reduce the risk of injury, and increase your efficiency while running. As a bonus, you often end up a bit faster, using less energy.
Here are our top six reasons why having correct running technique is essential:
1. Reduces the risk of injury
Perhaps the most significant reason why you should have proper running form is to avoid injury. Running with poor technique can cause various injuries, such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures and “runner’s knee” (whatever that is). Over time, these injuries can become chronic and significantly affect your running performance and possibly even other aspects of life.
2. Improves running efficiency
Correct running technique will help you run more efficiently, meaning that you can cover more distance with less effort. Efficient running form helps you conserve energy, reduce fatigue, and run faster and longer. The correct technique also helps you engage the right muscles and distribute the impact of each stride evenly to the right parts of your body.
3. Enhances overall fitness
Correct running technique can also help you enhance your overall fitness level. Running with proper form can help you build strength, increase endurance, and improve cardiovascular health. It can also help you burn more calories and lose weight as you will be moving more efficiently, less likely to be injured and so able to run further, faster and more often.
4. Boosts confidence
When you run with proper form, you feel more confident in your ability to run safely and effectively. Proper running technique helps you feel in control of your movements and avoid injury, which can boost your overall confidence and enjoyment of running. Better movement in running will spill over to other parts of your life, movement is really important and when you feel confident, you’ll do it more and become more healthy overall.
5. Makes running more enjoyable
Running with proper form will make running a more enjoyable experience. When you run with correct technique, you are less likely to experience pain, discomfort, and fatigue. This will inevitably help you stay motivated and committed to your running routine.
Now that you know why having correct running technique is important, the question is “how”?
We’ll deal with that next time, but if you can’t bear to wait, just book an assessment and get into coaching, we’ll get your technique improving in no time at all.
See what changes other people have made to their running technique here.
