Good Techniques Improve Fitness Of all the factors that can contribute to good performance, technique may be the most important, given some natural talent and desire. But to achieve a certain level of technique, the individual first needs the correct information. For example, recreational runners as well as competitors on the world scene need only learn about and adopt a few techniques they are aware of to move up the ladder to competitive success, weight loss, heart health etc. Technique can help an individual jump higher and run faster certainly, but overall health and fitness will improve as well.



Self-observation is a great way to determine if the individual is using the proper techniques during an exercise session or a competitor. Keeping a close watch on how an individual is performing can be as basic as biofeedback - asking oneself if things are working properly. There is some help for this task in the Polar S725X heart rate monitor and other good exercise/training accessories.

What Are The Benefits?

Good techniques in exercise, training and competition allow the individual to perform efficiently, using only the needed energy. Better results can be achieved without additional stress (less stress is possible with good technique).

So, what techniques can be learned and used to achieve these desirable benefits and avoid body stress and injury? Some say that focusing on "toe lift" will help the individual achieve the proper foot angle (working the hamstring and moving the individual toward a more efficient stride). Not allowing the heel to contact the running surface is a great technique that must be learned. But the results and benefits will be worth the concentration and learning curve necessary. The foot will "tire" less frequently. In addition, learning to get the knees higher during running will give the individual better overall movement, as well as preventing knee injury. (Because the knee takes so much of the stress caused by the individual's weight, this "knee lift" technique can be very important.)

What Else?

Focusing on running by moving the legs straight, backward and forward, and with maximum reach will allow the individual to get the best stride. Experienced runners move the whole body as part of the running motion, making use of the momentum created by the body during running (reducing wasted motion).

heart rate monitor can help the runner determine if technique is working for him or her, such quality training and exercise accessories can help uncover problems created by poor technique. Some of these are not apparent, even to the most experienced individual. A good running coach may spot these problems though. Hip elevation and body lean or angle can be critical in achieving good stride and maximum efficiency.