28/03/2023
RUNNING MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR WOMEN!
TRUTH: Running is NOT EASY on anyone, but when we consider the anatomical differences between males and females it should be easy to see how specific training considerations need to be made for the female runner.
The biggest difference between male and female anatomy is that females have a wider pelvis. As a result, the angle from the top of the hip to the knee (called the "Q") angle is much sharper than their male counterparts. Along with this, females generally have a pelvis that tilts forward. When this occurs, the upper leg twists inward and towards the back of the hip socket. As a result, when the female runner swings their forward, the knee collapses inward. The lower leg is then forced to rotate outwards to help steer the body into the direction the athlete wants to run towards.
As a result female runners are more likely to suffer from,
- ACL injuries
- runner's knee
- stress fractures
- IT band syndrome
- shin splints
- back pain
BUT.....
Don't think that means you SHOULD NOT run.
When it comes to exercise, you should do what you LOVE the most. We could make the case that all exercise is BAD. That we shouldn't do any of it because of the POTENTIAL for problems.
What we need to instead is to be SMARTER.
This means if we know that there are postural differences that lead to muscle imbalances that create these problems.....WE NEED TO TRAIN ACCORDINGLY.
If you need help, please take a look at this link, https://www.romfit.com/products/blbt
I work with athletes all over the world via ZOOM to go from pain to fitness.
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