I’ve only been running few years and lately I’ve been trying to work on my form.  I had never really thought about running the wrong way and how it can put it’s toll on my body.  I had been feeling some pain in my knees and that’s when I remembered a free Good Form Running clinic offered at Gazelle Sports.  My husband and I decided to take advantage of the clinic to improve our runs.

We started our clinic by watching a funny short clip of how not to run and listened to our instructors share how the Good Form Running method had improved their runs and lessoned their injuries.  We also watched a clip of Olympic runners and learned how this technique has reduced injuries for runners at the highest level.

Next, we stepped outside and ran around the building for some instruction in the parking lot.  We were then filmed single file as we ran a very short distance in the parking lot.

First, we were filmed with shoes and then without.  You can feel a big difference when you take off your shoes.  You are also pretty conscience of making sure you don’t step on anything.

 

After being filmed we the class focused on the 4 points of good form running.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then practiced running while trying to implement what we just learned into our technique.

 

 

After a few more short runs we transitioned back inside to view the film with us running.

 

 

This is what makes the class so valuable.  This is where you see the difference in how you think you run and the way you ACTUALLY run.  The instructors gave each one of us individual feedback on how we can improve our form.  I tend to be a heel striker (hitting my heels first), which causes me to overextend my knee, and that’s why my knees were beginning to hurt from the impact.  As a visual learner, the hands on way you learn in this class makes a big impact.

 

 

We watched our barefoot footage next and wrapped the class with questions and answers.  I would highly recommend trying a Good Form Running class no matter how long you have been running.  The footage and feedback are so valuable.

 

 

If you want to check out a free Good Form Running class and live in Grand Rapids go to one of  three Gazelle Sports locations.

 

To find a location near you check out Good Form Running.