Look at this very expertly drawn diagram of the arch when I’ve (tried) to draw a foot around it. The red at the bottom represents the sole of a ‘supporting’ trainer. By supporting the arch, the sole is just pushing out the keystone and other pieces of the arch.
With the arch now weakened and collapsed, let’s look at the possible consequences it could have on our foot. Read More…
I’ve seen an increase in foot pain, self diagnosed plantar fasciitis, poor trainer choice (in my opinion) and heard a lot about how people are changing their running style because they’ve heard off the neighbour’s cat about barefoot running etc etc so before people get carried away, I’m going to put a few posts out about how the foot works, what can help or prevent it working and stuff I might think of on the way. I’ll break them down and put a post out each day so you can take it in easier.
This is all Read More…
Before doing any exercise, whether it be running, circuit training, football or whatever you chose, it is vital that beforehand you go through a thorough and effective warm up routine and that afterwards you effectively cool down.
We have touched on warming up here, with the aim being that your body; mainly your muscles, and your mind are prepared for the work they are about to do.
If you don’t warm up before exercise then you are highly likely Read More…
Introduction
Warming-up is typically defined as a mild, preparatory activity performed before participating in a sport or exercise.
It is characterized by a gradual increase in intensity Read More…
Running shoes that fit well, support your feet and enhance your performance are the first pre-requisite of a running program.
Choosing a correct shoe for yourself is as much an art as it is a science and involves careful analysis of your individual requirement. Here we give you an insight into what all should you take into consideration before you pick up a pair of running shoes.
Running Shoes – Type of Foot
Every individual possesses a different set of characteristics, as far as the feet are concerned. The shape and structure of the foot goes a long way in determining the kind of shoe you need.
The Wet Test: Perform the wet test on Read More…
A sport for some, but a passion for the most, running has come of age as one of the most favorite sporting activities.
However, even if you see yourself as the all-cautious athlete, taking every possible Read More…
RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. When you’ve got muscle aches or joint pains, these four things are best for immediate treatment. These measures can relieve pain, reduce swelling, and protect damaged tissues, all of which speed healing. The only problem with RICE is that too many runners focus Read More…
Stretching should be an important component to any runner’s routine. Runners tend to be tight in predictable areas (most notably the hamstrings and calf muscles) and in turn, they get injured in and around Read More…
Most running injuries don’t erupt from nowhere and blindside you. They produce signals—aches, soreness, and persistent pain—but it’s up to you to listen to them and take appropriate action. Plain and simple: If something hurts, do not run. As soon as you start Read More…
1. Move slowly into the stretch.
2. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds prior to exercise (warm-up) and for 30
seconds post exercise (cool-down).
3. Breathe and relax while holding the stretch.
4. NEVER do any bouncy stretching, always hold and relax.
5. Focus on the muscle you are trying to stretch and then try to lengthen it.
6. You may be able to breath in and push the stretch slightly further half way
through the stretch. This is most important during cool-down.
7. Move slowly out of the stretch again.
8. Remember to stretch both sides.
9. Increasing the range of movement around a joint will help the blood flow to
the muscles surrounding the joint and increase circulation that will carry
away any lactic acids that may build up in the muscle.
10.Do more stretching that just warm-up and cool-down. A lot of gyms offer
stretch-classes where the aim is to permanently and progressively to
increase your flexibility.
Information courtesy of Cole’s therapy & injury clinic