Heel Strike

Forces on the Hip With Midfoot Vs. Heel Strike Running Gaits

Long-distance runners -- and even runners who don't clock that many miles -- can experience hip pain, regardless of their running gait. Some physicians believe that a midfoot strike gait pattern has less impact than a heel strike gait pattern....

The Proper Form for Walking Barefoot

It would seem natural to assume that humans have an innate understanding of walking. However, as demonstrated by rheumatologists at Chicago’s Rush Medical College, through the regular use of footwear, we change our walking patterns. If...

What Is Running Gait?

Whether you run on the road, cross-country, on a track or a treadmill, the proper form is important to avoid injury. Your running gait can help keep you in rhythm and prevent injury but it also can cause injury. Gait refers to the way you move...

Running Techniques of the Forefoot vs. Heel

One of the great debates in 2011 in track is the issue of forefoot striking versus heel striking. Is it better to strike the ground with the front of your foot or with your heel when your feet strike the ground? There are many advocates of...

Karate Hand & Foot Techniques

In Japanese, "kara" means "empty" and "te" means "hand." Karate, then, is literally self-defense using empty hands. Despite the name, karate-ka -- people who do karate -- use more than their hands. A skilled karate-ka can use feet, shins,...

The Average Walking Stride Length

Walking is a convenient and effective fitness activity that most people can participate in. Progress in a walking program is typically based on either distance or number of steps. Although more advanced pedometers calculate distance, the basic...

Does Running Barefoot Cause Lower Leg Pain or Relieve It?

Barefoot running can cause lower leg pain initially, but over time, running barefoot will likely alleviate many kinds of pain and reduce risk of injury. Harvard University's Skeletal Biology Lab students -- who have studied barefoot running and...

Difference Between Running Shoes

As a runner, your shoes are the most important pieces of equipment you use. They not only boost your performance, but support your joints and muscles while decreasing the risk of injury. Choosing a pair of running shoes that fits you and the...

Which Running Style Strengthens the Calves?

Muscle endurance boosts a runner's performance, giving him an edge in competition or during long runs. Calves are often developed more than other muscles in the legs, but imbalance in muscle strength leads to injuries and timeouts for rest and...

How to Improve Sprint Speed

Sprint speed is a key component to all competitive sports, and many people believe that it is an innate ability that cannot be trained. This is unfortunate because anyone who possesses a solid work ethic and the desire to train hard can improve...

Review of Asics GEL-Cumulus 10

The 10th generation of the Asics GEL-Cumulus, released in the summer of 2008, is an entry-level running shoe that expanded on previous generations by adding a two-pieced midsole, decoupled heel and additional GEL cushioning. The shoe is intended...

Plantar Flexion When Running

Your calf muscles plantar flexion your foot during running, which is also referred to as toe push-off or take-off. Many variables such as your shoes, calf strength and foot type influence the efficiency of your running mechanics including toe...

How Does Supination Affect Runners?

Running attracts many athletes because it requires little gear and few skills to get started. As you spend more time in the sport, you realize that technique, such as form and breathing, impacts performance. Similarly, improper technique and...

Proper Jogging Shoes

Most people don't run barefoot or in dress shoes. Athletic shoes are designed to handle the rigors of activity while also providing support to your feet. Jogging shoes are even more closely attuned to the needs of your feet when running. These...

Muscles Used in Running Vs. Cycling

Running and cycling mostly use the same muscles. They each require the muscles to work differently, as the mechanics of running and cycling are different. When running, the muscles of the lower body help to move the body through four stages --...

Asics Running Shoe 2130 Review

The Asics GT-2130 was released in 2007 and is a stability running shoe for middle distance road running. The shoe is known for its soft heel cushioning and for being highly pliable and responsive.

Review of the Asics Gel 2110

The Asics GT-2110 is the 2005 model of the Gel 2000 series running shoe. The shoe is geared toward middle-distance and long-distance runners who overpronate and want a nice combination of stability and cushioning.

One-Step Sparring Hand Techniques

One-step sparring is used in martial arts classes to help prepare students for contact sparring or real fights. One-step sparring techniques are performed when a student is defending himself against a single attack, like a punch or kick. The...

Practical Self-Defense Training for the Average Guy

If you are an average guy, you might enjoy watching kung fu movies from the comfort of your couch, but actually performing those complicated kung fu moves might seem impossible. While you might not really sail through the air while delivering a...

5 Things You Need to Know About Cross-Country Running

The needs of a runner vary when it comes to a pair of cross-country running shoes. Longer runs require shoes with greater stability and as runners tire, the stability of a shoe helps prevent injuries. Stability and motion control can also help...

Running in the Rain in Vibrams

Proponents of Vibram “toe shoes” feel they offer health benefits of going barefoot with a minimalist shoe that protects the feet. They’re not only worn for water sports and other forms of exercise, some fans make them their shoes...

New Balance Tennis Shoe Review

The days of a basic flat soled shoe for tennis have been over for more than a decade but you can still find comfort and simplicity from New Balance.

What Is the Normal Range of Motion of the Knee?

Your knee joint supports your body weight, absorbs shock and functions to straighten or bend your lower leg. Unrestricted movement at the knee joint is critical for pain-free walking, squatting and transferring.

Heel-Toe vs. Toe-Heel Walking

Humans adapted to a pattern of walking that differs from that of most mammals. Instead of walking on their toes without putting much weight on the heel, they tend to walk by striking their heels first – in a strike known as heel-toe walking....

My Heel Hurts & I Have Sharp Pain When I Walk

When you step forward and hit your heel to the ground in walking, it is referred to as the heel strike. A great deal of force goes through your heel and ankle during walking and each heel strike. If you have an injury such as Achilles tendinitis...

When to Use Pyramid or Needle Track Spikes

The only difference among metal spikes on the bottom of a sprinter's shoes used to be the length. Now spikes are available in shapes and lengths specific to certain distances, events and types of track surfaces. Deciding on which type of track...

Running on Your Heels or Forefeet

If you're a runner, chances are good that you're concerned with your form. Whether you're a sprinter, a marathoner or an athlete with a focus somewhere in between, you may be convinced that tweaking your technique can yield that extra edge that...

Sprinting on Toes Vs. Balls of Feet

Sprinting with proper form and mechanics will help prevent injury and increase your speed. The foot strike is one variable that can make a huge impact, literally. The part of your foot absorbing the pressure when you run controls your ability to...

How to Walk Downhill on a Treadmill

The benefits of downhill walking or running are twofold. First, it allows you to catch your breath and extend your workout. Second, it strengthens your hamstrings. Walking downhill on a treadmill might seem easier than setting the incline to go...

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