Find out what the benefits are of getting your gait analysedMany runners, especially beginners, make the mistake of purchasing their running shoes without receiving any advice beforehand. This can lead to many problems ranging from reduced running efficiency to chronic injury. The easiest way to reduce the risk of incurring these problems is to have your running gait analysed prior to making your purchase.
The reason for having a gait analysis is to determine which running style you are which will then determine the range of ASICS running shoes you should purchase from. There are 3 different running styles all of which are determined by the natural support and biomechanics of your foot. If you have very good natural support in your foot you will have a tendency to be a Neutral or Under Pronator, whereas, if you have very poor natural support to your foot then you will tend to be an Over Pronator.
The support in your foot is important because when running there can be up to 4 times your body weight going through your lower limbs. If you don’t have the adequate support then this weight can put excess strain on the foot and can even cause injury. If however you have adequate natural support in your foot then there is the chance you may have limited natural shock absorbing or cushioning in the foot. This can also lead to injury due to increased shock attenuation.
Under Pronation, Neutral and Over Pronation are the terms given to the 3 categories of running style and depend on the amount of natural support and Pronation in the foot. An easy way to think of it is that Under Pronators don’t Pronate enough, Over Pronators, Pronate too much and Neutral runners Pronate just the right amount. Pronation is the term given to the transfer of weight from the outside of the foot at contact to the inside of the foot in midstance. There are many other factors which contribute to someone’s running style but these are the main principles.
It is only with a detailed gait analysis that you will be able to determine which of these 3 running styles you are. Once you have determined this then it will be easier to choose the correct type of running shoe which will lead to a reduced risk of injury and better efficiency. ASICS offer a more in depth gait analysis process than anyone else, as well as video gait analysis ASICS offer state of the art Foot Mapping analysis. Both of these process give the ASICS representatives a more accurate and detailed view of your running style.
