Improved everyday posture = improved running posture. Here’s how to get there.
By Rick Pearson
‘Our dynamic posture will only ever be an extension of our everyday posture,’ says movement specialist Shane Benzie. ‘How we sit, stand and walk is, therefore, crucial to how we run.’ Pay closer attention to your posture when you’re not running and you’ll reap the rewards on the moved. Here are three bad habits to outrun.
1. Prolonged sitting
The problem: Sitting down all day, as many of us tend to do, can make your glutes inactive and weak. Prolonged sitting also makes hip flexors tight through being held in a shortened position.
The solution: Set a reminder on your watch or computer to take walking breaks ever 30 minutes. Investing in a sit-stand desk is also recommended.
2. Crossing legs while seated
The problem: Crossing your legs makes it difficult – if not impossible – to sit perfectly straight. Over time, this can cause your pelvis to rotate and become tilted.
The solution: Sit with a ruler between your legs. Or stick a bright sticker dot on your crossing leg to catch your eye and remind you to uncross
3. Being one-sided
The problem: Carrying heavy loads – such as a shoulder bag – one one side can, over time, cause assymetric muscle shortening and rotation of the torso – something that will negatively affect running gait.
The solution: Switch sides regularly. Use a rucksack to carry heavy loads like a work laptop. Regularl changing the side you use your mouse is also a smart idea.
4. Favouring one leg
The problem: Standing with your weight on one foot, or with one leg over the other, can cause muscular imbalances to develop.
The solution: Address and asymmetries or imbalances through single-leg strength training. Think lunges, step-ups and Bulgarian split squats.
