Have you heard of chi running? It is the latest phenomenon in the running and fitness training worlds. Chi (“chee” or “key”) is a Far East Asian word which probably originated in China. It can be translated as “life force energy” or “that which flows through everything that lives”.
This methodology of running blends together T’ai Chi, martial arts, and traditional running training.
T’ai Chi has become a familiar phenomenon in recent decades, and itself is derived from martial arts.
The purpose of chi running is to take a more mindful approach to running, so that more energetic benefits are derived from running while, at the same time, the risk of injury is diminished.
You don’t need to know T’ai Chi or martial arts to practice this popular running method.
It has been developed for you already, so that all you need to do is follow the practice as it is taught to you.
Who Can Benefit From Chi Running?
Literally everyone can benefit from this popular running method. Let’s go into more detail.
Beginning runners
If you are new to the world of running, it is perfect for you. With this running method you immediately start learning the correct bio-mechanics of running. This will give you more confidence right from your first running steps.
You will not struggle as much as you likely would otherwise, nor are you as likely to endure sidelining injuries.
Experienced runners
If you’re an experienced runner, it is also highly beneficial, for you will learn how to keep yourself from the injuries that may have already plagued you such as pulled hamstrings, strained or sprained ankles, knee problems, or shin splints among others.
With chi running techniques, you’re likely to speed up your running times and improve your endurance.
Runners with back problems
If you have back problems, this running technique might actually help you with them, because it involves learning and practicing correct posture.
Many back problems simply stem from problems with maintaining correct posture.
Other back problems stem from lack of back muscle flexibility, being overweight, or lack of strength in the back muscles.
Through proper chi running techniques, your back will become stronger.
Through proper stretching, essential to running, your back will become more flexible. Running and a healthy diet together will help you lose weight, too.
Overweight runners
Speaking of being overweight, if you’re one of the tens of millions of overweight people today, running is certainly recommended to help you melt off the unwanted pounds and become strong and slender.
It will help you gain energy so that you effortlessly become more active in your daily life, and boost your metabolism; both of these qualities will help you lose weight.
You also need to eat healthier in order to lose weight, and running naturally causes you to crave healthier foods. When you take up running, you will naturally start drinking more water, and this helps your body flush out toxins that contribute to being overweight as well.
Benefits Of Chi Running
It is not effortless; however, the practice causes running to become more and more effortless for you. The more effortless your running, the farther you can go, the faster your pace and your final kick, the quicker your recovery times, and the healthier your cardiovascular system.
It also helps your mental focus. Many runners struggle with wandering thoughts that rob them of energy and endurance, but with the martial arts aspect of chi running you learn how to maintain a laser-like focus on your physical mechanics.
Obviously, if you train for distance running events or marathons, chi running can make you a more competitive athlete.
The benefits of running are almost too many to count!
Five Elemental Aspects Of Chi Running Technique
–Run tall (don’t hunch over). Running tall prevents back injuries and facilitates breathing.
–Lean forward (this isn’t the same as hunching over; leaning slightly forward while running gives you greater momentum and takes strain off of your legs).
–Run from your core. Hip injuries, knee injuries, pulled muscles, and back problems-not to mention slower times-result from failure to run from the core. (You may want to do some cross-training to strengthen your core.)
– Land on the mid-foot. This allows you to maintain proper posture and thus prevent injuries and strains.
–Relaxation. This is the hardest part for many runners. Learning to be mindful of your body and focusing on your breathing will make you more relaxed, which will improve your run times and quicken your recovery times.
It takes practice and discipline, but running will become more enjoyable. It is perfect for distance runners and marathon runners, and for anyone who wants to use running for improved health and enhanced energy.
You may also want to check out the benefits of yoga for runners.
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