Proper Running Form
In order to get the most from a running session, a few things have to be in place. Running form is one factor that can contribute to successful running far more than many people would think. Form will usually be adjusted according to the running surface or type of workout. For example, on a running track made of cement, the individual will naturally adjust stride and use of the shoe’s sole to make the run comfortable and efficient. Of course, running on a treadmill or on a softer, synthetic surface track will require other adjustments for those situations. It is similar to the adjustments made with indoor cycling training, compared to riding a bicycle outside.
Tips For Proper Form
Many people have learned to keep good posture when running, with hips, shoulders and head lined up correctly in relation to the feet. It is also essential to understand that the head angle dictates motion or significantly influences the overall movement of the body. Some coaches and trainers suggest that the individual focus about 10 meters or 20 meters ahead on the track to ensure that posture is correct.
In addition to contributing mechanically to efficient running, good posture can help the individual achieve maximum lung capacity. This alone can be the difference between a successful session and a non-successful. The process of filling the lungs to capacity when running actually begins with a few deep breaths. This helps condition the lungs for the run to come.
Other coaches and trainers urge not burning up excess energy with unnecessary arm swing or movement of the upper part of the body. Spectators who marvel at the great runners sometimes notice the elbows are held very close to the body and the hands are relatively loose.
Just as each person has a unique way of walking, each individual has a singular way of running. Feet contact the ground differently and this may be a major reason for our inefficient running sessions. Coaches and trainers with years of experience urge runners not to make changes so radical that they are a shock to the body. Those new to the concept of guidelines for proper running may be surprised to know that, given time, the body will adjust to new terrain, new surroundings and the need for a new stride.
For most people, proper form means the feet touch the ground directly beneath the body. A combination of science and art is necessary for the fluid movement that comes from good running form. Further adjustments can be made depending on the requirements ? dash, long-distance, recreation etc.
For more details on indoor cycling training.
About the Author:
Still looking for information about running track??, Adam Peters is a syndicated writer of http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com . Read additional info on
mountain bikes or bikes for triathlon.
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August 28 2008 | cycling | No Comments »
Cycling and spin classes are two of the very best low impact cardio workouts. Popularity of indoor cycling, also known as spin classes, has exploded as more and more people recognize its cardiovascular and muscle toning benefits. Let’s talk about a few ways to derive maximum benefit from cycling, either indoors or outdoors.
If you’re exercising to lose weight, you’ll want your workout to be as efficient and optimal as possible. You may have heard the term “fat burning zone” from your instructor or personal trainer. For best results, your body needs to work at an optimal level, meaning not too light or not too difficult. Since everyone’s fat burning zone can be dramatically different, you should understand the nuances of target heart rate and fat burning zone.
If you’re interested in spinning classes and decide to participate, you’ll go through five distinct levels (zones) of intensity during a class. These zones are warm up, endurance, strength, interval, and race. In a typical one hour class, you’ll move between the levels, which will help improve your cardiovascular fitness level.
You’ll also want to know, and monitor, your target heart rate. The first step is to understand your maximum heart rate, or the highest heart rate you should reach during exercise. It’s simple to calculate. Just subtract your age from 220, and that’s your maximum heart rate. As an example, I’m 46 years of age so my maximum workout heart rate is 174.
Now, back to the five intensity zones. Each of these zones has a heart rate range assigned to it, by percentage. It actually sounds more complicated than it is. We’ll use that maximum heart rate we just calculated and take a percentage of that. Let’s look at the assigned heart rate ranges for each intensity zone.
In the warm up range, also known as cool down, your heart rate should be 50% to 65% of maximum. Using my maximum heart rate of 174, my heart rate during warm up should be between 87 (50%) to 113 (65%). Let’s quickly go through the other zones …
Endurance Range: 65% to 75% of maximum heart range (MHR)
Strength Range: 75% to 85% of MHR
Interval Range: 65% to 92% of MHR
Race (also known as Sprint) Range: 80% to 92%
Interval and race ranges are the two ranges where you’ll work the hardest. The endurance range is actually where you’ll spend most of your time during the class. Not so coincidentally, that’s the range where you’ll burn the most fat!
Finally, the best way to check your heart rate while exercising is with a heart rate monitor. If you don’t have one, you can place your index and/or middle finger on your neck artery where you can feel your pulse. Most spin instructors will do a six second heart rate check. Multiply your count by 10, and that’s your heart rate. Compare your heart rate to the range you’re at during the class, and increase or decrease your intensity accordingly. Here’s to a great workout!
Jim Hofman has incorporated cycling and spin classes into his workout regimen over the last six months, resulting in a 20 pound weight loss. If you want to learn more about spin classes and getting fit, visit Jim’s recommended resource site dedicated to indoor cycling.
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July 01 2008 | cycling | No Comments »