Running Form Coaching
(se) has adopted the Newton Natural Running Form Coaching method and offers both individual and group coaching sessions. Our certified coaches are also trained in biomechanical assessment and can screen for anatomical, strength and habitual factors that influence running efficiency.
Natural Running references the bodies unobstructed tendency to run with efficient form. Most runners will naturally land on their midfoot, with the foot under the center of mass when running barefoot over natural surfaces. It is only through the presence of a shoe with a cushioned heal that runners can tolerate lengthening there stride to the point of heal striking in front of the center of mass. Over striding and heal striking creates a breaking motion which introduces excessive impact and rotational forces. With a breaking motion comes the need to accelerate and causes runners to again use excessive force when pushing off. This type of running is highly inefficient leaving small muscles responsible for forward propulsion and puts a runner at greater risk of injury.
Since most runners live in an environment unsafe to run unshooed and have not adequately calloused the foot, running barefoot is not realistic. This is where the use of a shoe with a lower ramp angle (difference in height between heal and forefoot) such as the shoes produced by Newton Running, can help individuals safely run with proper form. In addition to ramp angle, running in a shoe constructed of soft EVA foam will only dissipate compressive force but not give anything in return, where Newton shoes give similar energy return to the elastic recoil of tendon.
Natural Running Form consists of the following:
- Erect Posture
- A Forward Lean
- Mid-Forefoot Foot Strike
- Foot Strike Under the Center of Mass
- Short Stride Length
- High Cadence
- Avoidance of Cross-body Arm Swing