What is a Natural Running Form?

A natural running form is running the way nature intended us to run--easily, naturally efficient, relaxed and injury free.

Humans have been running since the prehistoric days. It is a natural movement for us, but why do so many runners get injured each year? What has changed to cause the modern-day runner to experience so many injuries?

Historically and prior to the 1970's, we ran barefoot or with minimal foot protection. We ran with a forefoot or mid-foot strike landing below our center of mass and with a high cadence or quick turnover. This is how the human body moved when unshod.

In his 2010 research study, Dr. Daniel E. Lieberman showed that we run more efficiently and with less impact in bare feet. Unfortunately, the modern running shoe has altered the way many runners move, which is in many cases, an inefficient and injury prone posture.

Heel striking, which requires the foot to land in front of the body, increases impact force on your heels, knees, hips and lower back. It can also cause excessive rotation of your ankles, lower leg, upper leg, hips and spine. A heel strike stops the forward motion on impact making it necessary to use excessive muscular force to move forward.

Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running

The effort required to push off hard puts your calf muscles, hamstrings, lower leg, ankles, plantar fascia and Achilles tendon at risk of fatigue, strain or injury. (Natural Running, Danny Abshire, 2010).

Aspects of a Natural Running Form

A natural running form that is smooth and efficient includes the following aspects:

An upright posture
A slight forward lean from the ankles to facilitate forward propulsion
A compact arm swing in which the arms are held at 90 degrees or slightly less
A low-impact, forefoot or mid-foot landing
Soft and springs steps
A high cadence or quick turnover rate (180 steps per minute)
The foot lands below center of mass with leg under hip -- do not over stride!
Knees are slightly bent
Heels move towards butt on follow through

Natural running is an enjoyable and euphoric activity. It allows us to run for long periods easily and without pain, making the best use of our running economy. Developing a natural springy gait and using elastic recoil will improve our running economy. We can use our legs and feet to recycle energy rather than using all our body's energy to move us forward.

We can accomplish this by fully utilizing the Achilles tendon, the plantar fascia and ligaments in our feet and ankles. Together they work like a powerful spring and greatly reduce the amount of energy required to run.

Natural Running Form Drills

In the following natural running video, Dr. Mark Cucuzzella, Director of the Natural Running Center, demonstrates elastic recoil and efficient running economy:

As mentioned in the above video, form drills are an effective way to improve your natural running form. Do them several times a week.

Try the drills in the above video and the drills in the following video (also by Dr. Mark Cucuzzella):

For more drills, check out the video on how to change your running foot strike.

Barefoot Running or running in minimalist shoes can improve your running form. Without heavy cushioned shoes, you will be able to receive sensory feedback through your feet, helping you to find your natural running form.

Minimalist shoes or barefoot running shoes are flat with very little cushioning support. They are made from lightweight materials, have a flexible sole and should not restrict your foot. A minimalist shoe is essential for natural running.