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Choose the right shoes for your running

Barry Williams holds a Masters degree in Applied Biomechanics and specialises in force and video analysis of running technique, with corrective strength and conditioning and gait retraining interventions helping to optimise your performance and mitigate injury risk.

Carbon-plated 'supershoes' have changed the landscape for many distance runners, with running economy improvements helping elites break numerous records. However, there is a growing body of evidence that the carbon plate and foam stacking technologies used must match the runners' technique and, if they don't, they can result in little performance benefit and a greater injury risk, especially through deconditioning of the achilles complex.

This brief assessment will allow you to test two pairs of running shoes against each other and have both analysed using force sensor technology that takes over 1,200 readings per second. Held near Richmond Park, the testing will take place 31st January and 1st February and is limited to 30 people. It costs nothing.

From running shops selling trainers, to foot scans used to promote the sale of orthotics, to advanced 3D scans. Numerous people claim to provide 'running gait' analysis. However, the tools are largely irrelevant, it is the methodology followed and the experience of the practitioner that underpins sound gait analysis. At its core such analysis aims to identify issues that present an injury risk and/or de-optimise performance potential. A robust evaluation should investigate all the relevant factors that contribute to how you run: your anatomical alignment, structural strength, functional flexibility and dynamic movement potential. Only then can data derived from video or 3D analysis be properly understood.

Anatomical Alignment

Any review of your gait starts with understanding your anatomy. From your overall posture to structural symmetry to foot shape, it is obviously critical to identify where you may be compromised to determine where you need help.

sustainable strength

Determining the effectiveness of the neuromuscular system is equally important in evaluating your gait. Understanding your activation patterns, symmetry, strength and power is fundamental. As is full disclosure of your injury history.

Functional Flexibility

Your functional flexibility and range of motion adds to the picture. Numerous conditions temporarily compromise gait, such as hamstring tightness or ITB syndrome. These need to be fully understood to avoid jumping to false conclusions.

dynamic movement

The way you coordinate your movements completes our picture, assessing your athleticism, balance and coordination. Deficiencies in some of these fundamentals help us isolate the possible causes of technical weaknesses in your form.

Group Evolution provides our clients with a level of support that is unmatched, usually only available to elite athletes, or fitness and creative professionals. We help you become your best: whether you are looking to reinvent yourself, take the next step or achieve a very particular objective. Our holistic approach – focused on your mind, body, technique and diet – is grounded in the latest research and practice and led by highly qualified and experienced practitioners. We tailor our programs to each individual, whether you are attending our luxury retreats in France or our facilities in South West London.

AND make good use of your time

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