hands up or hands down - Training

bouncer

12/09/2002 at 09:19

something that I have noticed recently is that some of the "faster" runners run with their hands down by their sides at hip level, moving only through a few degrees each pace... For my part, I am more of an elbows bent at about 90 degrees and push them forward each pace. What I want to know is, am I missing a trick here? Will I suddenly tap into some vein of form by changing my technique? it doesn't SEEM to do much for me, but perhaps I'm doing it wrong?

WildWill..... pirate

pirate

12/09/2002 at 10:13

The only thin that I could guess at is that they follow the thought that any energy used in moving any thing but your legs while running could be interpreted as a waste of energy

Just a guess

Will

Gillian

12/09/2002 at 10:18

I find that as I'm nearing the end of a run and I'm tiring if I enthusiastically use my arms my legs tend to follow on......
I think it's personal preference what to do as it depends how you're most comfortable - have you ever seen the episode of Friends where Phoebe is running with her arms flailing everywhere like children do it is so much fun although you do tend to look a bit daft !!

bouncer

12/09/2002 at 10:21

haven't seen the episode of friends, but it sounds a bit like me going downhill!

Old Bear

12/09/2002 at 10:44

In the Runner's Handbook by Bob Glover, I think he says that you should use your arms to help you run but try to use the lower part of the arm rather than the larger muscle group of your shoulder. Also you should try to keep your hands from crossing from one side of your body to the other so that it doesn't affect your balance.
Mind you, if you look at top sprinters they use there arms like pistons. Look at the size of Christie's shoulders! I suppose it depends on what you're doing.

Xerxes

12/09/2002 at 16:19

When I was following threads in the US a few years ago, this came up. It is basically Will's suggestion. The theory is that if you are moving your arms about some of the blood and energy is departing from your legs. TO me it looks and feels very unusual. Mind you Nessie may do this (reference to Celtic dancing...).

TIm

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