Week 10 Recap
Arms are more than cosmetic when it comes to running. They have a significant impact on your running efficiency and rhythm. Arm swing should be light, bouncy, and rhythmic because the lower body will follow and align with what the upper body is doing. Remember that every mechanical action of the lower body creates a counter-action of the upper body and vice versa.
Bad advice: arm swing should be full and long, swinging the hands from “hip to chin” or “cheek to cheek.” Doing so will deteriorate your posture and promote over-striding, as well as slow your cadence, which sucks energy right out of your body.
Good advice: bend elbows at least 90 deg, drive the elbows back, and limit the forward movement of the hands in front of your body. Think “wrist to ribs” or “swing your elbow” instead of swinging your arms.
Posture: elbows back, shoulders relaxed = tall, proud posture. This position helps keep your body’s center of mass moving forward over your footstrike and creates better spring in each step. The end result is better efficiency and less strain and fatigue as you rack up the miles.
For more information and drills to practice good arm position and movement, click here for the full article.
In case of questions, contact: jdeming@t2form.com
