Advice
Gait analysis has a bit of a chequered reputation, with many assuming it's simply a ploy to encourage people to buy expensive trainers. While you'll probably be encouraged to part with a few quid for your footwear afterwards, there's more to it than naked commerce.
A thorough inspection of your stride can reveal flaws in running technique that slow you down and are the root cause of injuries. The solution won't simply be a new pair of kicks – you might also require a few Pilates sessions to improve your running PBs.
RECOMMENDED: Common Running Injuries
Coach had a session at the Saucony Stride Lab and spoke to technician Joe Wells about why gait analysis can do the world of good.
What are the benefits of stride analysis?
Everybody has an individual running style, so it's really important to analyse the whole body. The outcome will be an understanding of the runner's requirements. Usually, selecting correct footwear is part of the solution, but it will also lead to advice regarding a flexibility, strength and conditioning regimen.
RECOMMENDED: Best Road Running Shoes
What are the most common issues?
Slow cadence – longer strides at a lower frequency; heel striking – with your foot landing in front of hips; a lack of core strength, which results in the hips dropping, which can cause both the knee and ankle to rotate inwards; and a lack of flexibility and strength, particularly in the glutes and calves. All of these can result in injury and a reduction in running efficiency. However, all of these issues can be fixed relatively easily.
So, how can Pilates help?
Pilates, core work and yoga complement running because they combine core strength with flexibility to help increase efficiency, but also reduce the risk of injury.
Find your nearest free stride analysis session at stridelab.co.uk. The Saucony Stride Lab will be at the London Marathon Expo at the ExCel Centre from 20th-23rd April, then travelling around the UK.
RECOMMENDED: 50 Running Tips
No comments:
Post a Comment