Fit For Life: Missing that High? Why?
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Winter weather is here. And with it, so goes the hanging up of running shoes for a few months. Runners claim there is no better feeling than the runners high. And they have a hard time adjusting to indoor and treadmill running – they say it’s just not the same.
Next time you see a real runner out there on the street – and no question the die-hards will be out there all winter long - look at the expression on their face - 90% of the time I see pain, agony, and misery, along with poor form and posture. I study movement patterns all day long by people watching and I notice symptoms such as knock knees, forward head tilt, excessive ankle pronation/supination, etc.
The most problematic issue with today’s runners is excessive heel strike. This is due to the excessive padding and elevated cushion heel in today’s high tech running shoes. By wearing this type of shoe you inhibit proprioception (your body’s sense of its own position, balance and movement). 70% of that feedback comes from pressure receptions, mostly located in the feet, resulting in reduced sensory feedback and therefore limits the quality of movement and core stability. Due to this and poor posture, 80% of runners suffers injury every year when they practice poor form. On a repetitive basis you compound dysfunction and probability of injury.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTSo my question is, “why do it when it hurts, and most are not very good at it”? And to top it off the people that are actually good at it with ease of stride and perfect form look thin and frail. Long steady bouts of this type of exercise actually down sizes your heart capacity making it economize its power so you can go longer. You never push your heart to utilize its reserve capacity, therefore never making it stronger only more efficient.
Take a winter break.
So take a break from all that running and ask yourself, “where am I going?” Am I really getting more fit? Strengthening my heart? Looking better? Feeling stronger? I suggest running sprints, or doing high intensity interval training. It's more fun, less chance for injury, and you will get in better shape. Look at a sprinter’s body if you don't believe me. They are aesthetically much more appealing than most marathoners or excessive runners. I am not telling people that love to run to stop, just follow my philosophy: if it hurts, stop doing it. Read up about running and the new ways we are learning about fitness. Come see me and let’s talk. Or better yet, look at some of the people at my gym – especially when they walk out – looking tired, and sweaty, but with a bounce in their step.
So what will be your reason? Find the motivation that works best for you. If you don’t have the motivation and drive to start it yourself, come to Providence Fit Body Boot Camp, and I will get you going. Working with a coach will get you there more effectively and efficiently. If one of these inspires you to get started, then go with it, but remember, ultimately it is your health that is at stake. And that impacts all the people around you – your spouse or partner, your children, your family. It impacts your ability to earn a living. Being healthy helps you have a positive outlook in life. You're more likely to be happy, in general. We all need to keep moving – the rewards just keep adding up – so, start now, and let me know what motivates you! Leave me a message on Facebook or Twitter….and I’ll share your motivation with others. We’re all in this life together – let’s make it a healthy one! (On Facebook at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp; on Twitter - @MattEspeut)
Related Slideshow: Great Ways for RI Moms to Stay Fit this Winter
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