Cushioned Trainers – Not so Cushty!
YOUR CUSHIONED RUNNING TRAINERS MAY BE CAUSING YOUR PAIN!!
I recently reviewed my current running trainers on Instagram. The Asics Piranha SP5. They’re super light weight and have very little cushioning or support. Basically they stop gravel and glass going in my feet when road running!
I’ve had a number of people ask why I run in such lightweight footwear…. here’s why..
…
By providing cushioning for the heel it encourages the foot to land with the heel first. In this position, the ankle and knee joints are in a closed packed position, basically they’re already locked up. In this position, very little load is transferred into the muscles (mainly quadriceps and calves) and the force and impact of your landing goes through the joints instead.
This can lead to your ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain as the shockwave travels up the leg from joint to joint. It can also be the cause of your damaged joint cartilage.
THERE IS A BETTER WAY!!
Forefoot running allows the joints to stay in an open packed position. Instead of force transferring through these joints, muscle is able to decelerate your landing more gradually and provide suspension to the joints.
LESS IMPACT, HAPPIER KNEES!!
Take a look at the video. Be aware, people who have been running for a long time, this is a huge change. If you’re biomechanics are unable to support a forefoot running technique then it may cause additional problems. Your foot, ankle and hip strength must be suitable to progress to forefoot running and it should be done gradually.
DON’T throw yourself in at the deep end, it won’t last long!
Watch the Video on YouTube
