How to improve your running posture, 3 Pilates tips for
beginners
Do you even think about your posture when you run?
Is it something you think just gets worse with age and it’s not going to make any difference?
I’m here to tell you how can improve your running posture and how it will make a HUGE difference to your running. From tiring so quickly on your run to getting a PB!
I am going to show you 3 ways you can improve your running posture with Pilates whilst you are out running!
Let’s get stuck in
How to improve your running posture
1. Stand/ run tall
This might sound a bit obvious but how many have just sat or stood up straighter as you read this? What happened? You’ve grown taller, your shoulders have lowered and you feel so much better I hope!
What’s happened?
Your core has engaged as you lengthen your spine, so that is now stabilising your trunk and pelvis, and your chest has opened up so making it easier to breathe.
You might not notice this so much as you stand there but when you are out running you will notice a difference.
Next time you head out for a run and start to feel tired then run taller and see how you feel.
2. Shoulders and armpits
Yes, I said armpits. But first your shoulders.
We can carry a lot of tension in our shoulders and especially when we get tired as we run. This affects posture and a great daily exercise you can do is roll your shoulder back throughout the day.
This will open up the chest and work your upper back muscles. More on those later.
Try 10 x shoulder rolls throughout the day.
Armpits
Now to the armpits and this a something you can focus on during your run.
We want to strengthen the upper back muscles to improve our posture and open up our chest.
Try when not running first,
- stand tall,
- and take the shoulders towards your ears. (as in the photo above)
- Then focus on your armpits and lower them.
You should feel the muscles in your back lowering the shoulder blades as you grow taller.
So when you are next running and feeling tired two mantras to try
“stay tall”
“lower your armpits”
3. Engage your core.
A strong core is essential for running and your posture. Standing tall, and lowering your armpits all need a strong core to keep you upright.
To ensure that you strengthen your core most effectively it’s important to get them set up right.
In the video below I explain how to set up properly, then you need to in this position draw your tummy button towards your spine to activate the deep core muscles which help to keep you upright and maintain good posture. Just click on the photo below to watch the video
Although during your run you aren’t going to stop and set yourself up like the video it’s important to be aware you are using your core as well when you are running.
How to become a better runner with Pilates
This is only the start of how you can improve your running posture. Pilates for Runners is a mix of standing and mat Pilates to help you improve your posture, and balance and reduce your risk of injury.
If you want to find out more about Pilates for Runners whether a beginner or already doing Pilates then check out the Pilates for Runners membership online.
- LIVE weekly classes on zoom
- 100’s of 10-minute videos to do in your own time
- Daily calendar, log on and go into the days 10-minute video choice
- Facebook community
- Beginners Pilates course
- Pilates for Runners course
The Pilates for Runners Membership online £30 per month
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