So you started running to get in shape. You look good, feel good, but you want more. You get the urge to test your limits and break your boundaries. You want to go faster. Sure, you run faster now than when you first started running but deep inside, you know you can do better. You are now looking for ways to improve your running speed. You are not alone. Runners have thought of going faster, whether for competitive or personal reasons. Here we will tell you about running gait and improving your running speed with running gait analysis in Singapore.

How to Improve my Running Speed?

Running is an amazing way to get in shape. Many are attracted to this activity because it is easy to start getting into. A workout with little to no special equipment is light on the wallet as you only need the basic pair of running shoes, shorts, and a shirt. You can run alone, with a partner, or with a group.

When it comes to running, there is a right way and a wrong way of doing it. A proper gait is essential in extracting the most benefit from the running activity.

Several people ignore this often overlooked aspect of running. They assume that they are running correctly since they think they know how to run. Having the proper gait has a lot of advantages. It makes you perform at your best and prevents injuries. In contrast, a poor gait can be detrimental to your overall performance and even affect your body even when not running.

You see, a bad gait can cause damage and injury to your leg joints and even your spine. You may at first think that you are fine because you do not feel anything or even feel good with the wrong running gait. This is because your body has gotten used to it, and it has become “comfortable.” However, just because your body is used to something does not mean that it is correct. A bad running gait will cost more in the long run.

As mentioned, a proper running gait is best. Another advantage of having the appropriate gait is to improve performance. It can improve your speed.

Thanks to modern science, experts can now examine you and your running gait. So how do you know if you are running with the proper gait? All you have to do is go to a professional and have your running gait analyzed.

What is Running Gait Analysis?

Running gait analysis is taking data based on how you run and analyzing areas where you are doing good and where you need improvement. The usual procedure happens indoors, where you will be asked to run on a treadmill. Motion sensing cameras are connected to computers equipped with motion analyzing software and then take that data for the physiotherapist to interpret.

How Running Gait Analysis can Translate to Better Running Speed.

No matter how long you have been a runner, there is a huge possibility that aspects of your running gait may be totally wrong or can use some improvement. For this, you will need to visit your friendly neighborhood physiotherapists to be able to examine your gait and find points where you can make changes for improved running speed.

So what may you be doing wrong when running? Some things that can hinder you from running faster are overstriding, excess up and down movement of your center of mass, and the lack of arm movement.

When a runner is overstriding, their foot lands too far forward from his center of gravity. The negative effect of overstriding is that it creates momentum loss which hinders a runner from achieving a higher running speed.

When you run, you are supposed to be moving forward. Any perpendicular or up-down movement removes your forward momentum, which limits your speed. It also puts added stress on your joints.

Photo by Bradley Dunn on Unsplash

You may think that running is purely a lower body activity, but your proper arm movement contributes to your running efficiency. Your arms counterbalance your legs during running. You should relax your shoulders when running and move your arms relative to your leg movement – right leg forward, left arm back, and vice versa. Lack of arm movement, you guessed it, also lowers your running performance.

Conclusion

Doing things right has its rewards, and when it comes to running, the proper running gait can pay you with better performance and faster running speed. Remember, though, not all runners are built the same. You must understand that your body is different from others. You should be severe with your running performance and consult the right people – physiotherapists – who may help you to get a proper analysis and recommendation tailor-made for your specific needs.