What Good Running Form Looks Like

A former enlisted member of the United States Army, Jason Borba trains clients at a reputable, California-based gym. As striking coach and trainer and head of MMA training, he is responsible for working directly with clients and scheduling other coaches. Dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle, Jason Borba of California enjoys running in his free time.

Running with the proper form feels easier than running with incorrect form and helps runners improve their bodies more efficiently. When it comes to improving their running form, runners must start from the tops of their bodies and work their way down. This means they begin with positioning their heads so that their gaze is always in front of them instead of at their feet. The chin should not be tilted up or down, thus ensuring runners have good posture, and the neck must be aligned with the spine.

From there, runners should focus on their shoulders. When running, it’s important that the shoulders are pulled back and move independently of the torso. This ensures runners achieve the best speed and endurance possible. Meanwhile, the arms are best kept at a 90-degree angle, with the palms moving from hip to chin to propel the body forward. The thumbs should be pointing toward the ceiling and the hands should be otherwise relaxed.

Runners must also consider their torsos. This is where the bulk of their running power comes from, and is also the area that keeps them centered and balanced. A tall spine is essential for good running form, as is a tight core. Runners should lean slightly into their gait at the hips so the torso rests somewhat forward compared to the hips.

Finally, there are the knees, legs, and feet. Ideally, the knees should be in line with the middle of the feet, so when the feet hit the ground, they do so right under the knees. The legs should be kept as perpendicular to the feet as possible, with the ankles, hips, and knees absorbing the majority of the shock.

This Is What a Good Post-Run Recovery Entails

U.S. Army veteran Jason Borba is the head of MMA at an elite training facility in Los Angeles, California. A combat sports and fitness enthusiast, Jason Borba enjoys surfing and running in California.

A good run is only complete if it is succeeded by a good recovery. Runners who do not prioritize recovery experience sore muscles and risk developing injuries.

Your recovery should begin right after a run. To cool down, walk for some time, allowing your body to slowly adjust to rest status. This helps it redistribute blood flow and flush out waste, and also reduces soreness. If you stop running and immediately rest on the couch, you lose out on these benefits. After your walk, stretch your lower body muscles thoroughly to help remove the lactic acid that has built up. Only then should you sit down.

To better relax, change out of your sweat-covered clothes. This keeps your muscles warm, maintains good blood flow, and improves the absorption of nutrients by the muscles. Speaking of nutrients, have a healthy meal about 30 minutes after your run. A good meal is rich in carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Accompany this with water for rehydration. If you ran for a long time, say one hour, have a good post-run drink like a protein shake or sports drink to shore up your glycogen levels.

If you still feel tight afterward, take a warm bath or do a leg drain. For the latter, lie on your back next to a wall with your legs extended vertically against the wall, perpendicular to your core. Hold this position for three minutes. This exercise drains your legs so that fresh blood flows into them when you stand up. You can also get a massage to relieve muscle tension and soreness.

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started