How to Reduce Impact Forces and Improve Performance in Running

Each time your foot hits the ground while running, an impact force averaging three times your weight travels through your body at more than 200 miles per hour, causing your bones to vibrate and tendons to stretch. When you consider that the average runner strikes the ground more than 10,000 times per hour, this translates into a remarkable amount of force that needs to be absorbed, and explains why nearly 50% of recreational runners are injured each year.

The purpose of this book is to show you that impact forces are not necessarily harmful. By modifying your running form and doing specific exercises to improve tendon resiliency, not only can you effectively absorb these forces, but you can also store and return a significant percentage of them in the form of elastic recoil. Besides reducing your risk of injury, efficiently storing and returning energy can allow you to run faster with less effort.

How to Perform an At-Home Gait Analysis

Performing an at-home gait analysis can help you make specific changes in your running form that can reduce impact forces and improve performance. By identifying and correcting issues with your running form, you can reduce your risk of injury and improve your overall running efficiency.

Identifying and Addressing Weaknesses

Decrease your risk of injury by identifying problems with strength, flexibility, and/or neuromotor coordination using specific functional tests. By addressing these weaknesses, you can improve your overall running form and reduce your risk of injury.

Exercises to Enhance Tendon Resiliency

Incorporate new exercises to enhance the storage and return of energy in your tendons. These exercises can help improve your running form and reduce your risk of injury, while also allowing you to run faster with less effort.

Selecting the Right Running Shoe

Selecting the running shoe that is right for you can make a significant difference in your running form and overall performance. By choosing a shoe that fits properly and provides the necessary support, you can reduce your risk of injury and improve your running efficiency.

Treating Common Running-Related Injuries

Treat 25 of the most common running-related injuries with the most up-to-date, scientifically justified treatment protocols available. By understanding the causes of these injuries and how to treat them, you can reduce your downtime and get back to running faster.

With more than 200 illustrations and 300 references, this book reviews how to effectively absorb impact forces, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your overall running performance. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, this book provides the tools and knowledge you need to take your running to the next level.