Bad posture when jogging can lead to back discomfort.
Here’s how to improve your posture while enjoying your jogging sessions.
You may not realize it, but your posture may not be optimal during your runs.
This can lead to feeling discomfort in the low back during the exercise and maybe even for a short while afterwards.
There are things to pay attention to while jogging or running that will help you maintain good posture.
Good Spinal Alignment when Jogging
To be as comfortable as possible while out on your jogging excursion, you should keep your eyes fixed straight ahead on a point along the horizon, assuming that the horizon is visible to you.
However, this comes at the risk of stumbling over something on the ground or stepping on something that you wouldn’t want to step in.
Thus, the key is balancing your attention between that point along the horizon and the ground ahead of yourself.
Horizon not visible?
If the horizon is not visible, then fixate your eyes on the most distant object.
Good posture will help make your training more comfortable and improve adherence.
The object in the distance might be a bridge, a mountain top, a cityscape, a cluster of trees at the end of a long road; whatever you can find.
Another tip is to avoid looking at your feet, though this can be tempting to get carried away with.
Though you should always be on the alert for anything in the road that might make you stumble, the general rule is to keep your eyes straight ahead once you have adjusted for any road or trail obstacles like a pothole, broken glass or dog poop.
This adjustment will need to occur at regular intervals.
Shoulders, Back and Arms
Good posture while jogging also means paying attention to your shoulders and back.
Keep your shoulders relaxed. Do not let them tense up.
As for your back, keep it straight. Do not let it slouch.
Do not allow your arms to become rigid or stiff, but keep them relaxed and loose, swinging them forward and back.
Don’t clench your hands, either. You can keep them cupped, however.
By practicing these tips for having good posture, you will assure yourself a much more comfortable and sustainable jogging session.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer for Bally Total Fitness.
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