Running Tips: Get in Shape to Run

Posted on Jan 05, 2016

Posted in: Running Tips

Hello Friends and welcome to 2016!  Our blog is back and ready for the New Year.  Now that the holidays are over, it’s time to get serious about our health.  Whether or not you make resolutions, there is no better time than the present to make exercise part of your routine.  One great option is running.  It is a low barrier sport that you can do almost anywhere and with very little cost.  All you need is a decent pair of shoes, basic clothing and some good old fashioned motivation.  If you are brand new to running it also helps to have a little advice and encouragement to aid you on your journey.  Here at Peak Performance Physical Therapy we are the running specialists.  Our licensed physical therapists specialize in running mechanics and gait analysis.  We can offer basic tips and strategies to make you a stronger and more efficient runner.

Recently, our running expert Kari Sturtevant, DPT, attended The Science of Running Symposium in Chicago where top biomechanics researchers shared and debated topics related to running and running-related injuries.  She came back with lots of great information and wants to share it with you.  Her first tip: get in shape to run.  Wait, what?  It sounds counterintuitive but all of the presenters at the symposium stressed the importance of getting in shape to run rather than running to get in shape.  The stronger you are in your hips and core, the less likely you are to become injured.  Many running-related injuries are due to poor hip strength and control.  This week Kari shares her 3 favorite hip exercises for runners to help stabilize hips and strengthen your core.  Follow this link to Peak Performance’s YouTube channel and Kari performing the exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5l7A0w4Iys

Running Tips: Get in Shape to Run