Rethinking Biomechanics: Embracing Your Unique Gait
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Understanding Gait Health
It's common for us to believe we have all the answers, especially concerning health and fitness. We often attempt to control every aspect of our training in pursuit of optimal results. This fixation on minute details—like perfect form and biomechanics—can overshadow the broader goal of leading a pain-free and functional life.
A key point to acknowledge is that some aspects of our movement should not be altered, particularly when it comes to gait health. Recently, I visited a running store where an employee urged a customer to switch to a different pair of shoes to achieve a more 'normal' walking pattern. This customer was not in pain and felt her existing shoes allowed her to run comfortably. If comfort is present, why push individuals towards footwear designed to create a more conventional appearance?
The Diversity of Movement
There are countless reasons behind the way each of us moves. If you experience no pain or limitations, then there is nothing wrong with your gait. This may seem counterintuitive, especially with the barrage of health advertisements that promote a rigid 'perfect symmetry or nothing' mindset. Here are some factors that contribute to your unique gait:
- Body structure
- Pace
- Terrain
- Shoe type
- Pain or compensation
- Injury history
- Education
- And more...
Currently, there’s insufficient evidence to define a 'correct' way to walk or run. This applies to both elite athletes and casual runners alike. For instance, Eliud Kipchoge and Jakob Ingebrigtsen exhibit distinct cadences, while Galen Rupp and Meb Keflezighi have entirely different foot strike patterns. Although addressing significant imbalances may be beneficial, I recommend focusing on pain relief through alternative methods instead of trying to overhaul your biomechanics.
The Importance of Natural Patterns
The belief that there's a single optimal foot-strike pattern is misleading. As highlighted in an IAAF study, athletes should not be overly encouraged to change their natural movements. There are two primary reasons for my perspective:
- Most individuals lack access to a qualified coach who can guide them through safe and effective changes. Attempting to adjust your gait without supervision can often be more hazardous than leaving it as is.
- It’s usually unnecessary to force changes to your gait. Many times, what appears to be an unconventional movement is simply your natural style—just look at Conner Mantz’s form, which some might deem 'odd' despite his success at the Olympic Trials.
Even if pain is present, my role as a kinesiologist is not to enforce a more symmetrical gait but rather to help you regain pain-free movement. Often, this requires minimal adjustments, as factors like fear, compensation, weakness, lack of confidence, and education can heavily influence movement patterns.
Encouragement for Natural Movement
Sometimes, it’s as straightforward as reassuring someone that there’s no universal standard they need to meet regarding gait. Realizing that what feels natural is not necessarily flawed can be liberating. I’ve seen clients visibly relax upon understanding this concept.
To clarify, there are indeed situations where gait re-education is necessary, particularly following significant injuries or illnesses. However, these cases are less frequent than one might assume. While minor adjustments or new shoes can be effective for some, the majority should focus on patterns that align with their individual habits, lifestyles, and anatomical structures.
Forcing a gait that feels unnatural is seldom effective and can lead to frustration and confusion if this contradictory message continues to circulate.
In Conclusion
While this discussion may seem like a rant, I hope it conveys a sense of encouragement. Your gait isn’t broken or in need of repair—at least not 95% of the time. What feels most natural to you is the best way to move. Are there opportunities to optimize that gait? Certainly. However, the idea that you must completely rewire your biomechanics without any underlying pain or issues is simply unfounded.
Feel free to move in the way that is most authentic to you. After all, that’s how you were designed to move.
The video titled "Why Ranting About Others Won't Heal Your Inner Pain" by Tony Robbins offers motivational insights that align with understanding and embracing our unique movement patterns.