Running is a great way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it can also put a lot of stress on the feet and legs. Your body position and alignment can have a significant impact on your running. Good running form can help you run more efficiently and reduce the risk of injury. Poor running form can lead to poor performance and an increased risk of injury. Custom-made orthotics can be a great tool to help optimize your gait, posture, & body alignment and enhance your running form.
Tips for Good Running Form:
- Keeping your head up and eyes forward, looking about 20-30 feet in front of you.
- Keeping your shoulders relaxed and back, with your arms bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Keeping your core engaged and your back straight.
- Landing on the midfoot rather than the heel.
- Keeping your feet pointed forward, rather than turning them out or in.
Poor Running Form Examples:
When your body position is not optimal, it can lead to poor performance and an increased risk of injury. A few common examples include:
- Slouching or hunching forward can lead to poor breathing, reduced oxygen flow to the muscles, and fatigue.
- Leaning forward or backward can cause over-striding, which can lead to shin splints, knee pain, and other injuries.
- Landing on the heel can cause stress on the joints and lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis.
- Over-rotating the feet can cause stress on the joints and lead to injuries such as IT band syndrome.
Custom-made orthotics can help you maintain good running form by helping to align your feet, ankles, and legs and by providing arch support and cushioning for your feet. They are made using a 3D scan of your feet to match the unique shape of your feet to help correct and optimize your stride.
