UOS Running Performance Clinic

Our final post in this series summaries the results. If you missed any of the muscle weakness tests make sure to check them out 😁.

It is important to screen for weakness as it may limit your ability to run well or may lead to a running injury. Do not worry if you cannot currently achieve many repetitions on these tests; building up with a few sessions a week will help to strengthen these key muscles.

The screening tests that contributed to this series of posts come as part of our gait assessment.

If you have any questions about muscle weakness or our service, as well as suggestions for future posts, then please let us know below 👇. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Our final test uses the single leg bridge for the hip extensors.

Make sure to fully engage your glutes by squeezing them on the lift. A complete lift should form a straight line from the shoulders to your knees.

Let us know how you get on with this one! 😁 The next post will let you know about your results 📝. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Continuing our Muscle Weakness Screening we introduce the hamstring and gluteals.

The hip extensors are important to test for imbalance and weakness as it can effect any joint in the lower limb kinetic chain. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

To complete the calf muscles we have the gastrocnemius. Made of two heads (medial and lateral) this is the muscle that forms the definitive shape of the calf.

The gastrocnemius has a different structure to the soleus even though they play similar roles; consisting of predominantly fast-twitch fibres where the soleus has more slow-twitch. The gastroc helps to plantar flex the foot during push off and flex the knee during swing phase.

To screen for weakness, a calf raise with a straight leg is used. Count how many complete raises you can do on each side. Remember your score or comment below 😁. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

For today: an exercise on screening the first muscle of the calf… the soleus.

The Soleus lies underneath the Achilles’ tendon and bears a large load during running that helps to flex the foot and push off the ground. The Soleus also helps the heart to circulate blood acting as a pump to bring in nutrients and remove waste.

To screen for weakness a calf raise with a bent leg is used. Make sure you raise your heel up high after dropping it below the step.

Count how many complete raises you can do on each side. Remember your score or comment them below! @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Our next series of posts focuses on what you can do at home to help prevent injuries 🤕. These muscles screening exercises form part of our service to spot any imbalances or areas of weakness 🧐.

Today we introduce the calf muscles! @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Have you just started running and not sure how to get stuck in?

Need some help with your couch-to-5k (C25k)?

For our final ‘Starting Up Running’ tip…
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧!

The most important thing you can do is listen to your body. Only you will know when you need rest and when you are ready to push on more.

Share your journey with us! How have you built up your runs? @ Manchester, United Kingdom

With our treadmill gait analysis you will receive a clinical assessment by one of our experienced specialist physiotherapists. This covers an examination of your muscular strength, endurance capacity, and joint range of motion. The clinical assessment directly complements the biomechanical measures of tracking your gait in-run.

Taking into account your running history, previous injuries, and future goals our team will be able to get you on the right track towards recovery and success.

Have you just started running and not sure how to get stuck in?

Need some help with your couch-to-5k (C25k)?

Our ‘Starting Up Running’ tips continue…
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐮𝐩!
A gradual progression will help your body build up strength as you build up distance ran between walks and overall time on your feet. It’s best to advance onwards only once you feel comfortable and do not ache heavily the following day. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Have you just started running and not sure how to get stuck in?

Need some help with your couch-to-5k (C25k)?

Our ‘Starting Up Running’ tips continue…
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲!
Providing your body time for recovery will allow it adapt to increased loads from runs. This will help you to be more prepared for the next run 💪. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

Have you just started running and not sure how to get stuck in?

Need some help with your couch-to-5k (C25k)?

Stay tuned for our “Starting Up Running” tips.

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 - 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰!
Speed is not important when you first start running, instead work on gradually building up time on your feet. @ Manchester, United Kingdom

How’s your form? 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♂️

Think you have perfected your running gait? Or do you always have unexplained recurring injuries?

Even if not in the same area, different injuries may be caused by the same underlying muscle weakness, tightness, or gait tendency when running 🤕. So have a think about that next little ni**le. Or let us check it out!

Compare yourself to the best of the best in our elite database, exclusive to 🙌. From us a message to hear when appointments are available 😁.