A Doctor of Physical Therapy keeping runners of all shapes and sizes injury free. Running Tips, home workouts, & rehab. Strength and Injury Prevention for Runners
Improve Your Running Form & Stay Injury-Free!
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Hey there Reader I hope your running journey is going strong! Today, I'm excited to share some tips on adjusting your running form to prevent injuries and make your runs smoother. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned athlete, small tweaks to your form can go a long way in keeping you healthy and injury-free. Here’s how to get started: 🦵 Why Running Form MattersProper running form isn’t just about looking good—it’s key to reducing strain on your muscles and joints, conserving energy, and avoiding common injuries like runner’s knee, shin splints, and IT band syndrome. 🏃 Adjust Your Running Form with These Tips:1. Stand Tall with a Slight Forward LeanKeep your head up, shoulders relaxed, and lean slightly from the ankles. This helps with balance and reduces stress on your back and hips. 2. Shorten Your StrideOverstriding increases the impact on your knees. Focus on shorter steps and aim to land your foot directly under your hips. 3. Increase Your CadenceAiming for 170–180 steps per minute can prevent overstriding and minimize joint impact. Gradually increase your cadence for a smoother run. 4. Land Softly on Your MidfootAvoid heavy heel strikes! Land softly on your midfoot to distribute impact evenly across your foot. 5. Keep Your Arms RelaxedTense arms lead to wasted energy. Keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees and swing them forward and back, not across your body. 6. Engage Your CoreA strong core stabilizes your entire body. Focus on engaging your core muscles while running to support your posture and reduce strain. 7. Find Your RhythmExperiment with different speeds and cadences to find what feels natural. A smooth, rhythmic stride reduces stress on your body and keeps you injury-free. 📢 Quick SummaryMaking even small adjustments to your running form can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. Start by focusing on one or two tips at a time and gradually integrate them into your runs. Ready to take your running to the next level? Consistent practice of these form adjustments will help you run more efficiently, prevent injuries, and keep you moving toward your goals! Got questions? Feel free to reply to this email—I’d love to help you out!
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Hope you had a great time and found something useful! I'm here to help! Keep Running! Doc Abby Helping you stay injury free and on the road (or trail) running! |
The Runner Doc
A Doctor of Physical Therapy keeping runners of all shapes and sizes injury free. Running Tips, home workouts, & rehab. Strength and Injury Prevention for Runners
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