Good running form helps running feel easier. It also helps you move more efficiently and stay comfortable for longer. While there is no perfect form, small improvements can make a big difference.
Importantly, good running form is also about reducing wasted energy. It is not about forcing your body into an unnatural position.
Stand Tall but Stay Relaxed
First, focus on posture. Stand tall with your head up and eyes looking forward. This helps keep your chest open and breathing relaxed.
However, avoid stiffness. Shoulders should stay low and relaxed. Tension in the shoulders often spreads to the neck and arms, which wastes energy.
Keep Your Arms Controlled
Your arms play a bigger role than many runners realise. They help balance your movement and control rhythm.
Aim to keep your arms bent comfortably. Let them swing forward and back rather than across your body. When arm movement stays relaxed, your stride usually feels smoother.
Take Short, Light Steps
Overstriding is a common problem. When steps are too long, impact increases and momentum slows.
Instead, focus on shorter, quicker steps. Try to land your foot closer to your body. As a result, running often feels lighter and more controlled.
Land Comfortably Under Your Body
There is no single correct foot strike. Some runners land on the heel. Others land midfoot. What matters most is comfort and control.
Avoid slamming your foot into the ground. Light contact usually means better efficiency and less stress on joints.
Keep Your Core Engaged
A stable core helps maintain posture. You do not need to tense your abs. Instead, think about gentle engagement.
This support helps prevent collapsing through the hips and keeps your upper body steady as you run.
Stay Relaxed While Running
Tension is the enemy of good running form. Clenched fists, tight jaws, or raised shoulders all waste energy.
Check in with your body during runs. Relax your hands and shake out your arms if needed. When the body stays loose, running feels easier.
Let Your Form Adjust Naturally
Good running form develops over time. It improves as fitness improves and confidence grows.
Rather than trying to fix everything at once, focus on one small change. Over weeks and months, those changes add up naturally.
Do You Need to Think About Form All the Time?
No. Constantly analysing form can make running feel awkward.
Instead, use gentle reminders during easy runs. Over time, better form also becomes automatic and requires less thought.
Keep Good Running Form Simple
Good running form is not about perfection. It is about comfort, efficiency, and control.
When posture is relaxed and movement feels smooth, you are doing it right. That is what good running form should feel like.
Resources:
https://www.reddit.com/r/running/comments/vioun7/is_there_actually_a_proper_running_form/