(Escondido, CA) The last few years running technique has been receiving more attention than normal. Running Technique articles such as the technique analysis of Lauren Fleshman in Running Times, and in mainstream magazines such as the New Yorker and the New York Times. According to legendary pioneer biomechanist, Dr. Michael Yessis, “The increased interest in running technique stems from the greater use of minimalist type shoes, including the popular Vibram Five-Fingers. With these shoes it is impossible to run with the typical technique used by most long distance runners, i.e., having touchdown occur on the heel. The reason for this is very simple; it hurts too much.” As a result runners are finding that they must modify their running technique to land more midfoot or ball-heel. How they do this however, often leaves much to be desired. Because running technique has been ignored for so many years, there is very little information available on how an effective midfoot landing should take place. Because of this most runners must learn to change their running technique by trial and error rather than using what is already known to be the most effective means of executing the actions needed for an effective and safe touchdown. A detailed breakdown of proper running technique can be found in Dr. Yessis’ new book: “Explosive Running” In the book, extensive detail is devoted to the touchdown, exercises to improve the strength of the muscles involved in addition to a step-by-step guide to learn the muscular feel for executing the actions needed to bring about a safe and effective landing. The information is supported with sequence pictures taken from organic digital film. Dr. Yessis caution “These are critical factors that determine the speed and distance a runner is capable of achieving. Keep in mind that the muscular system and how it functions in executing the key actions involved in the running stride are equal to, if not more important, than development of the aerobic and anaerobic systems.” The most recent scientific research has clearly shown that without the muscular endurance needed to run the distance, regardless of how great VO2 max is, or how well developed the runners aerobic system is, they will not be able to do their best or worse yet, even finish the distance. Without greater development of specific strength of the muscles as they are involved in executing the key actions involved in the running stride, progress will be greatly limited. Dr. Yessis again, “Keep in mind that when developing specific strength, the strength is coupled with technique so that the runner is developing better running technique at the same time as they are becoming stronger in the specific actions needed in the running stride. This is the most effective way to improve anyone’s running abilities” Most important to achieve optimum performance is the improvement of running. As technique is improved and specialized exercises are incorporated to develop the strength of the muscles involved in the same neuromuscular pattern as used in the running stride running improve well beyond wildest expectations.
During his fifty plus years of working with athletes, Dr. Yessis has successfully improve dathletes in basketball, football, soccer, baseball, track and other sports. Most notable is the improvement in sports technique. He is considered this country’s foremost expert on sports technique. In the Jan 2011 issue of Muscle & Fitness, Dr. Yessis is referred to as the legendary biomechanist (doctoryessis.com/public/department50.cfm). Dr. Yessis has written 16 books in the sports and fitness field including “Build A Better Athlete” (www.doctoryessis.com/products/search.cfm) and “Biomechanics & Kinesiology of Exercise, and written more than 2,000 articles on fitness and sports training