WHAT CAN YOU CHANGE?

Your gait assessment may simply give you reassurance that your running style suits you.  You can also get information about the type of runner you are, the potential for you to run faster times, and your risk for injuries.  But a responsible evaluator knows that gait recommendations should be given with great care.  Some changes are impossible, while others can lead to new problems. 

WHAT CAN GAIT EVALUATIONS REVEAL THAT YOU CAN CHANGE?

• Your gait analysis may point out restrictions in your gait pattern from muscle tightness and/or weakness. Through weekly strength and stretching sessions, your gait can improve naturally from within. 
• Gait analysis can reveal ways that you can improve your mechanics by doing drills during your training.
• Your gati evaluation can easily determine if you are overstriding, which puts unnecessary stress on your body.
• A gait evaluation can help determine if you need to change to a new or different category of running shoes.

• You cannot overhaul your gait to mimic your favorite elite runner. You can’t become someone else, but you can become your best “you”!
• Your body is built a certain way, which contributes to your unique “gait signature”. Even if your anatomy creates biomechanical ineffiencies, you cannot change your anatomy.  Making changes to counter the anatomy you were born with can add stress to your running pattern.
• Certain prior injuries, and wear and tear that has led to arthritis can create permanent biomechanical limitaitons in your gait quality. While it may helpful to find out about such issues, you realistically can’t do much about it but realize that you have to respect your limits.