What About ChiRunning?

If you’re a serious runner, you’re understandably concerned about avoiding running injuries. Unfortunately, running related injuries are all too common and become more frequent with age and with an increase in the number of miles run. One of the most important ways to avoid running injuries is to practice good running form. A new running method known as ChiRunning appears to hold some promise for helping runners maximize the running experience while avoid running injuries.

What exactly is ChiRunning?
ChiRunning is a relatively new running method as well as a topic of a book by the same name that shows you how to get started using this technique. Quite simply, it teaches you how to make modifications to your standard running form to help increase running efficiency while at the same time reducing the risk of injury.

How is the ChiRunning running method different from standard running methods?
When running using this technique, the body is angled slightly forward and held so the entire body is in alignment from ankles to shoulders. Instead of the heel striking the ground, the mid-portion of the foot touches the ground first. This method not only stabilizes the body and makes running more effortless, it also emphasizes the core muscles which are so critical to fitness. By focusing on the core muscles for strength, your running is more efficient as you’re not completely dependent upon the leg muscles for power.

Does the ChiRunning running method really prevent injuries?
In an article published in Family Practice News, it was reported that running injuries were reduced to a significant degree within a six month period after learning this running method. Runners also reported missing fewer running days as a result of running-related pain and injuries after learning this running method.

If you’re a runner, how can you go about learning the ChiRunning running method?
While you can learn this technique by reading the book ChiRunning by Danny Dreyer, there are also DVD’s available which outline the technique in even greater detail. In addition to teaching the proper posture and alignment, the DVD’s feature a variety of drills and exercises that can help you master and reinforce the techniques. You can also become certified to teach this running method and offer ChiRunning workshops in your area.

Whether you suffer from recurrent running injuries or just want to optimize your running technique, you may want to give this running method a second look. It may make your morning run all the more pleasant and injury-free.

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Written by Dr. Kristie Leong M.D.

Dr. Kristie is a medical doctor with a concentration in family practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology and a master’s in Clinical Pathology. She has been a published writer for the last two years and was named one of Associated Content’s top 100 writers.

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