1. Carry Yourself Well
Proper running posture is just as important as wearing the right shoes and finding a good course to run. Your running posture affects your breathing, stamina and speed. Good posture allows you to be fully aware of your surroundings, maximize oxygen intake and exercise every part of your body. Because running is a full-body sport, good running posture should involve your whole body too.
2. Keep Your Head Up
Keep your head up, your chin forward and your gaze straight ahead when you run. It's a common runner distraction to watch how your feet are moving, but break this habit as much as you can. Keeping your head up helps open up your lungs and keeps you breathing correctly. Running facing forward keeps you aware of your surroundings so you can safely watch for cars, signal changes, potholes and path obstructions.
3. Stand Up Straight
Most people don't think about their spine when they run, but the spine is one of the keys to good running posture. Keep your back straight and your shoulders back. Your hips should be angled forward also to center your weight. This will evenly distribute your body weight, making your center of gravity even between your feet and help your lungs open up so you can breathe easier. Holding your spine straight and not hunching forward makes it easy for the rest of your body to work as one.
4. Work Those Legs And Arms
Your legs and arms should work together when you run. Reach forward with your legs and take full strides, pumping your arms at the same time. If you want a more leisurely run and don't want to pump your arms, hold them bent at the midsection. Avoid letting them hang down at your sides; this will be dead weight and will make your run more difficult. Keep your legs directly under your arms when you run to keep yourself moving in a straight line.
5. Put Your Best Foot Forward
The placement of your feet is very important when you run. Foot placement affects overall running posture and the level of benefit gained by the workout. Remember to keep your tread light. When you bring your foot all the way down, make sure your foot is flat and your toes are pointed straight in front of you. This helps prevent ankle injury or foot strain.
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