If you've ever worked with a physical therapist who dismissed gait analysis or said, "Don't worry about biomechanics, just run naturally," you might have walked away feeling a little confused. After all, running is natural, but that doesn't mean our mechanics are always working in our favor.
As a coach who works with runners of all levels, I’ve seen firsthand how small tweaks in form can reduce injury risk, improve efficiency, and help athletes feel stronger over time. Gait analysis isn't about forcing a one-size-fits-all running style. It's about understanding your movement patterns, identifying potential inefficiencies, and making adjustments that work with your body, not against it.
The Case for Gait Analysis and Biomechanics
A runner’s gait is like a fingerprint—completely unique. Some people naturally run with efficient form, but most of us have subtle imbalances that can lead to issues over time. Things like:
- Overstriding (which increases impact forces on the body)
- Excessive hip drop (which can lead to knee or IT band pain)
- Weak push-off (which affects speed and endurance)
These aren't just theoretical concerns. They're real patterns that show up in injured runners all the time. So when a professional completely dismisses gait analysis, they might be overlooking critical factors that contribute to pain, injury, and inefficiency.
The Argument Against Changing Running Form
Some physical therapists or coaches argue that messing with running mechanics can do more harm than good. They believe runners naturally settle into the most efficient pattern for their bodies, and changing that could cause new problems.
And to some extent, they’re right. You don’t want to force a dramatic change overnight. But that’s not what good gait analysis and form coaching are about. The goal isn’t to rebuild your stride from scratch—it’s to refine it in ways that align with your body's strengths.
For example:
- Instead of telling a runner to "shorten their stride," I might cue them to focus on a quicker cadence.
- Instead of overhauling footstrike, I might encourage subtle changes in posture that improve ground contact.
- Instead of just saying, "strength training will fix it," I help athletes integrate movement patterns that reinforce better mechanics.
These small shifts make a huge difference over time.
Why This Matters for Masters and Menopausal Athletes
As we get older, running changes. Hormonal shifts, muscle mass loss, and recovery time all impact how we move. Ignoring biomechanics at this stage is a missed opportunity. With the right approach, we can make running feel smoother, reduce nagging aches, and maintain longevity in the sport.
If you’ve ever felt like you're working harder than you should be, struggling with recurring injuries, or hitting a plateau in performance, there’s a good chance your gait and biomechanics could use some attention.
Work With Me
I specialize in coaching runners who want to move better, feel stronger, and keep running for years to come. Whether you’re dealing with inefficiencies, past injuries, or just want to feel more in control of your running, I can help.
If you’re ready to learn what’s really happening with your stride—and how to improve it—let’s connect.