Running Evaluation

Contrary to intuitive thought, running is rather violent and it truly is a complex movement. We develop the basic movement pattern as an infant, but injuries, muscle imbalances, and impaired mechanics can result from over/under training and injuries. If you don’t believe how complex running is, check out The Physics of Running. Vertical force or ground reaction force (you push on the ground and the ground pushes BACK on you) ranges from 1x your body weight with walking and up to 3x your body weight with running. That means, if you weigh 100 lbs, the ground pushes back at 300lbs with each strike.

Running is inherently aerobic and catabolic, involving the breakdown of stored carbohydrates, proteins, and fats for energy use. The opposite, anabolism (anabolic), sounds like steroid abuse but involves the synthesis of these complex molecules. So, running involves absorbing and producing a lot of force, but also results in the breakdown of energy sources and protein, the building block of muscles. Hence, cross-training, running specific exercise, and maintaining a strong foundation to reduce your risk of injuries.

We utilize a physical examination combined with slow motion video to find flexibility, mobility, and strength deficits that may be contributing to your problems. Then, we develop a plan to address these deficits! We understand running is your passion, is an integral part of your life, and is more of a lifestyle rather than a fitness activity. It is our goal to KEEP your running or get you back to running ASAP!