Proper Running Techniques

Whether running professionally or for personal enjoyment, ensuring proper running techniques helps your body attain maximum level of fitness without bringing harm to one’s body. Following proper running techniques can also help achieve a faster run while ensuring a positive form that is less likely to be injured and can ensure safe and enjoyable exercise every time out.

When running, the head should be squarely leveled upon the neck, not craned down toward the torso or held up against the back. Running in such a manner can produce a healthy air passage from the nose to the lungs and decreases the chance of any neck pain or aches one is likely to feel if the neck is jerked around. The shoulders should be loose and relaxed. Perform arm windmills by rotating each arm in a circular motion to help loosen up the joints in the shoulders. In connection with the shoulders, proper running techniques dictate that one’s arms should be bent at a 90 degree as they are pumped back and forth while running to help maintain energy levels within the body.

In addition to the arm windmill exercises, there are other stretching drills that help define proper running techniques. Practicing a high-knee marching step can help loosen the legs and create a longer running step. Begin as if running in place and step on the balls of your feet, raising each knee to hip level.

Below the torso the hips should line up with the rest of the body, not sticking out in front or from behind. With each step taken you should land on your heel or somewhere mid-food. Placing all the pressure on the front of the food adds unnecessary stress to the toes and is generally considered not to be part of any proper running techniques...