I’ve been learning about the practice of ChiRunning
You may have heard us say ‘never use your legs for propulsion.’ ‘How does this work?’ you probably wonder. Of course, we all must use our legs to run, but we don’t have to rely on them as much as we think. Here’s what we mean by this intriguing phrase. Chi Running is built around the concept of falling forward in a slight lean so that you’re using the pull of gravity for your propulsion instead of your legs. The trick is in your core strength. Building a strong core increases agility, efficiency and your ability to balance yourself in a gentle forward fall while running.
A strong core allows you to relax your legs and balance in your window of lean with ease, and with practice, you will be able to move from first gear to second and third with greater ease and confidence in your forward fall. If you’re looking to increase speed, a strong core is necessary.
A strong core also improves balance and coordination on technical terrain. When on the course, whether it’s road or trail, runners should strive to be nimble. A runner with exceptionally large quadriceps, hamstrings and calves may appear to be a more “serious” runner at first glance, but those large muscles actually decrease mobility and dexterity. You’ve probably noticed that a person with exceptionally strong legs has large quads, but someone with a strong core and abs doesn’t have a large belly. Bottom line: the bigger the muscle, the less mobile it becomes.
The first few times you practice engaging your core and relaxing your legs during your runs, you’ll most likely experience soreness in your abdominals the next day. This is a good sign! By relaxing your legs, you decrease the build-up of lactic acid in those muscles, which means little to no recovery time and you can start off every run with fresh legs.
It’s also essential that as you work to strengthen your core, you acknowledge it as your center, or your guiding force. The saying “go with your gut” means just that. With a physically and emotionally healthy core, your centeredness, sense of balance, and self-confidence will guide you through all decisions and bring you a feeling of stability that you may not have felt before.
Have any of you heard of or tried ChiRunning? Please share your thoughts below!
Disclosure: I received the ChiRunning book and DVD for free. I was not paid for this post nor did I have to blog about it. My opinions are mine, all mine! 
{ 3 comments }
SUPER cool! I have NOT heard of chi-running but I am very interested in learning more! Excited to hear/read what you have learned through the book and DVD!
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I read Chi Running and I try to follow the form. I actually think stroller running helps with the forward pitch. Running in Newton’s doesn’t hurt either.
I never heard of Chi Running til now…looks interesting…. may have to check it out
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