Chi Running is an approach to running quite different from the standard running form. Designed by Danny Dreyer, a running coach and ultra marathon runner, Chi Running professes to make running easier and injury free.

What is Chi Running?

Chi Running is based on the concept that most people’s running form takes more energy than necessary. He’s modified the running form to enable runners to use forward motion, or gravity assisted running, to not only make running effortless, yes effortless, but also to prevent injury. Chi running uses your core muscles and employs the same theories of yoga, Pilates, and t’ai chi to create an approach which can be used by beginning runners and experienced runners alike.

The optimal conditions for running and fundamentals of Chi Running include:

• Great posture

• Relaxed arms and legs

• Loose or relaxed joints

• Engaged core muscles

• A focused mind

• Optimal breathing

Chi Running claims to offer the above as benefits and adds more energy. Chi running not only embraces a new running form, it also asks runners to explore their running motivation for running, clearing their mind from negative influences, getting the most from your food, stretching, warming up and cooling down and even race day preparation, both mental and physical.

Because Chi Running involves learning how to run differently than you probably run right now, they offer a number of resources to learn the approach. You can buy the book, CD or DVD, you can visit their website and read Danny’s articles and blog or you can sign up for a workshop in your area. Danny and his wife Katherine have trained a large number of instructors and chances are there is an instructor in your area who can teach you this unique approach to running.

If you’re prone to knee injuries, hip pain, shin splints, IT band syndrome, hamstring injury, or plantar fasciitis chi running may be exactly what you’re looking for. If you want to take your running to the next level, increase your endurance and even your speed then chi running is worth looking into. And if running is something you’re new to and you’re still walking for exercise or blending walking with running then it may be good to know that Danny also offers a Chi Walking program which promises to help you create balance, strength and improve your cognition.

If you want more from your running program than you’re currently experiencing, Chi Running may be just the thing. It’s safe and approaches running from a whole body and mind perspective.

Share and Enjoy:
  • MySpace
  • Digg
  • Twitter
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Blogplay