Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

ChiRunning

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ChiRunning is a form of running influenced by t'ai chi. It has been described as a "quasi-yoga-based style of running that is purported to reduce injury risk".

Contents

Principles

ChiRunning has also been described as using "the principles of tai chi to focus on alignment, relaxation and proper form when running and walking". It is said to emphasize posture, core strength, relaxed legs, and "mindfulness".

Reports that the method leads to fewer injuries are anecdotal. Runners that have been previously injured or sidelined due to injuries claim that they are able to return to running using the ChiRunning technique.

Technique

Dreyer has outlined the technique to ChiRunning as follows: "focus your mind", "sense your body", "breathe to tap into Chi", "relax your muscles", "practice good posture", and "start slow". Runners are instructed to have a straight back with a slight forward lean and bent knees. Propulsion is said to be gained through momentum attained through the lean, with a midfoot landing directly under the body.

Development

ChiRunning was developed in 1999 by Danny Dreyer, an American ultramarathon runner, t'ai chi practitioner, and founder of the North Carolina-based company Chi Running. Instruction of the method is disseminated in several ways, including instructor led courses, books, and videos. A Forbes contributor claims that in 2004, Dreyer's first edition of his book, ChiRunning, was released and sold 150,000 copies however, there was no proper citation within his article to back up that claim.

References

ChiRunning Wikipedia