SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Are you considering taking up running as a new hobby or maybe just aiming to knock off a few pounds before the summer?

Perhaps you’ve been motivated by morning runners gliding through the park or athletes gracing marathons across the world.

Whatever your reason, it’s a great one.

More and more people across the UK continue to take up running and there are now hundreds of running groups across Kent.

Apart from being a fantastic way to keep fit, many join a club or group to connect with other people and make new friends.

It can have a huge impact on technique, training, motivation and social life.

In fact, running has the power to change your life but before donning on the tracksuits or lacing up your running shoes, make sure you first get off on the right foot.

And this is where gait analysis comes in.

Gait analysis is the method used to assess the way in which you walk and run it can help assess your individual biomechanics.

This is important because it can highlight inefficient, under or over exaggerated movements, which could lead to potential problems or injuries in the future.

“Gait analysis is used to help athletes run more efficiently and to identify movement-related problems for people with injuries or for those seeking new running shoes,” said Tyson Brind, who is the director and owner of The Running Outlet in Canterbury.

“Each runner varies in time, but we normally allow 10 to 30 minutes per gait analysis.

“It is very important for us to know what running gait you have so we can advise and fit the correct shoes according to your own individual requirements.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RUNNING SHOES FROM THE RUNNING OUTLET CLICK HERE

During gait analysis, Tyson and his team will ask people to walk and run on their in-store treadmill for no longer than 40 seconds.

Their movements are recorded using the latest Dartfish software and a slow-motion, detailed analysis will show and explain their biomechanics, specifically looking at pronation.

“Pronation is the turning-inward movement that occurs when your foot touches the ground,” explained Tyson.

“During walking and running, this acts as cushioning for the body. Everyone’s gait is slightly different.”

The two most common running styles are classified as a neutral gait, whereby the foot pronates from the outside of the foot to finish in an upright position with all the weight on the foot, and overpronaters, who again start on the outside of the foot but in this case the arch collapses meaning the foot finishes too far inwards.

Neutral gait runners covering a lot of miles might want to consider a lot of cushioning to avoid impact injuries, where as overpronators are advised to opt for support, structured or stability shoes (as well as having cushioning these are reinforced under the arch area to keep the foot upright).

“Our gait analysis service is free when purchasing shoes from us.

“However, there is a charge of £15 if you require a gait analysis only. This will be deducted on your receipt.”

Specialising in gear for running and fitness enthusiasts, The Running Outlet is staffed by a team of passionate and highly experienced runners with a large selection of running shoes, running clothes, apparel and accessories from all the major brands including Adidas, Asics, Saucony, Nike, New Balance, Mizuno, ON Running, Hoka One One and Brooks.

Customers can order online or visit the shop in the heart of Canterbury.

For more information or advice, visit the official website or telephone 01227 379998.