We are all creatures of motion, and the quality and quantity of our mobility directly affects the quality and quantity of our longevity.  Quality mobility might be defined as safe, effective, consistent and … enjoyable.

In a previous post “Natural Running Technique?, the question of running technique was discussed via the following two options:

1.  Run [or walk] the way you run ‘naturally’ [or subconsciously], and don’t mess with your technique.
2.  Consider [posture and] technique; usually based on the body’s design, simple principles of nature and laws of physics for the purpose of energy efficiency and injury-prevention.

As noted in the previous post, we really need to define the term ‘naturally’ to fully consider these options.  But the overall question here might be do we live and move subconsciously by chance; or live and move consciously with purpose?

There are many potential benefits from a purpose (technique) in running and in walking.  At first you may think ‘Technique!? C’mon, I know how to walk.’  Or ‘I know how to run.’  But improving technique can enhance every other sport or fitness activity; why should running or walking be any different?  Here are a few more reasons to consider why running and walking technique is so beneficial:

- Technique can improve postural alignment, relaxation, and balance to increase energy efficiency; and reduce or eliminate discomfort, aches/pains and injury.

- Running and walking are very specific repetitive motions that make posture and technique very important.  Much of the discomfort, aches, pains and injury that occurs in running or walking is due to subtle repetitive strain or impact that builds over time.  You may not feel these effects until a more serious problem exists.

- As this subtle repetitive strain and impact builds over time, a body can become prone to injury.  Many times you will hear of someone who hurt their back or twisted a knee doing something ‘simple’.  Perhaps the injury was 99% due to the body that came to the ‘simple’ task and only 1% due to the task itself.

- Walking and Running are two of only a very few fitness activities that involve terrain changes.  As the terrain changes, so does the forces of nature.  Technique can dramatically improve our ability to cooperate with these forces of nature; to reduce both uphill effort and downhill impact.

- We walk every day.  Often on varied terrain.  Many of us climb stairs.  Which means the opportunity for subtle strain and impact exists with every step we take.

- When you focus on technique, you create a mental focus on one thing.  A mental focus on one thing creates inner stillness and clears the mind.

- You develop the skill of body sensing. With body sensing, you form a strong mind/body connection by sensing position, motion, effort, tension, impact or any other aspect of your movement.

- As you increase efficiency, and reduce discomfort, aches/pains and injury; you enjoy your fitness more and create a sense of accomplishment.  You become empowered with more and more information and skills that support a consistent lifelong fitness ‘practice’.

A Mindful Practice on Technique

Two approaches to a Mindful Practice on technique are called ChiRunning® and ChiWalking®.  These programs combine the principles and inner focus of T’ai Chi with running and walking.  But you do not need to know T’ai Chi to learn and enjoy the benefits.  The result is ‘intelligent movement’ consistent with the body’s design, simple principles of nature and basic laws of physics.  From casual walker to competitive runner, a mindful approach can support consistent and enjoyable mobility with far-reaching effects to our longevity.

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David Stretanski is a holistic health, fitness and wellness coach and Certified ChiRunning®/ChiWalking® Instructor. For more information on David, please see his About Me, Contact page or his website at http://www.eChiFitness.com.

ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® are registered trademarks of ChiLiving, Inc.

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