Empowering your body for a run.

Whether to get an energetic kick-start to the day or to blow off some steam, or maybe just as a fitness chore, running has promptly become an essential part of our daily routine. With the internet flooding with the pros and cons of running, a bigger question comes into picture: Is your body ready for a run?

A run is the most feasible activity to get your body moving: it’s free; you don’t need monthly/ yearly memberships or any workout equipment!

Well, whether it’s a full-fledged run, or a jog, or a combination of a walk-jog, it definitely awakens your heart and lungs . And while you might burn those calories and get those calves to die for, the question is whether your body is ready for the run itself. If yes, is your body’s mechanics improving your performance or is it making your body battle through the run?

Your physiotherapist and running coach can help you determine the answer to this question most effectively while also providing an elaborate guidance to make running an enjoyable activity. Now some might wonder why a physio consult is necessary for such a natural movement. Let us explain this with a simple example.

Let’s say our body is like a car we use to drive through. Would it really function well if you just drive it without regularly servicing it? Well it might, but it wouldn’t perform the way you’d want it to. Good news in this case is: you can always exchange your car once it’s run its course. What about your body though?

Here comes the key: prepping your body for the run

While running awareness involves various aspects like having appropriate shoes, an exercise program, sufficient sleep/ rest, a healthy diet, hydration, terrains and many more – in this blog we will be highlighting the need to understand and empower the musculoskeletal system of your body. Let’s look into this a bit deeper.

1. The first step is to understand the uniqueness of your body and to use it to your advantage.

   Though the anatomy is same for each and every person, there are tons of variations seen within each body. Based on these variations, your body learns and adapts in a unique way to carry out your daily activities. It is imperative to acknowledge these adaptations. What's more important is to use these to your strengths.

   When it comes to running, your performance can be enhanced by getting your form assessed by a physiotherapist/ kinesiologist who will guide you to train according to your unique body adaptations.

2. The second step is to ensure that your body’s mechanics are on the right track.

   Once a comprehensive assessment is done, it is essential to train your body specifically and consistently to your needs. This will not only reduce the risk of injuries but will also help you to reach your maximum running potential. The key is to remain patient and consistent with your training; these changes cannot be achieved overnight.

3. The third step is to get your body powered up for the run.

Now that your body mechanics are on the right track, the last but most important aspect is to power up your body before your run. This includes your warm up routine such as specific mobility & activation exercises, dynamic stretches and so on. Equally important is the cool-down routine such as static stretching and foam rolling. Your physio or running coach can help to set a specific pre-post run routine for you.

With the spotlight being on the importance of movement for our body, the concept of “USE IT OR LOSE IT” needn’t be stressed further. So while you go all Forrest Gump on yourself, let’s empower our bodies so as to prevent a pandemic of running-related injuries!