2021_Hermes_Event_Guide_34 pages

Run Smart: Perfect your running style
to avoid injury and improve your time.
The latest shoes, moisture-wicking
clothing and watches to track your
times and body stats are what we use
to optimize our walking or running
performance. Even with the most
high-tech gear, a person’s gait – or
their unique way of moving their body
forward – can make them walk or run in
a way that isn’t quite ideal.
Turning your foot inward when you run,
taking super short strides or wide arm
movements can drain you of precious
energy. If your running or walking form
isn’t correct, repeating these motions
over and over again could lead to injury.
Incorrect form might also hold you back
from becoming faster or more efficient.
“A gait analysis is a beneficial tool
to assess your body mechanics and
solve any biomechanical problems
to help improve your dexterity and
performance,” says Christopher
Travers, MS, an exercise physiologist at
Cleveland Clinic. “A gait analysis can
also help determine the cause of an old
injury and provide recommendations to
prevent further injury.”
Run Smart, a Cleveland Clinic program,
is designed for runners and walkers of
any age, level or distance who want to
get an individualized examination of
their biomechanics, foot type and foot
wear, and strength and flexibility in
order to improve their running efficiency
and promote injury reduction.
“Run Smart begins with a one-on-one
comprehensive evaluation, including
a gait analysis, in order to get the full
picture of what is happening so we can
treat the root issue,” says Travers.
During a Run Smart gait analysis,
a physical therapist will assess a
number of aspects of a runner’s gait
and body mechanics through tests,
direct observation and video analysis.
The goal is to help you make changes
to improve your efficiency. Doing this
will help determine the cause of any
existing injuries while also preventing
future ones.
The Run Smart analysis reviews your
personal:
• Running history
• Training goals
• Foot placement
• Shoe wear
• Strength and flexibility
• Heel strike
• Arm swing
• Hip, knee and foot mechanics
Body composition and VO2 Max
exercise testing can also be done during
the evaluation.
After a full assessment, you’ll learn
what personal body mechanics issues
you might have, receive strengthening
and stretching exercises, get detailed
recommendations about your running
technique and advice on proper shoe
selection. All of this will lower your
chance of injury and help you become
a better runner or walker.
“Casual joggers, power walkers
and serious marathoners can all
benefit from a gait analysis. It can
enable you to run smarter, not harder,”
says Travers.
To schedule a Run Smart appointment
or for more information, call
877.440.TEAM or visit
ClevelandClinic.org/RunSmart.
Cleveland Clinic Run Smart Program Locations
East
• Administrative Campus
Beachwood
• Solon Family Health Center
• Willoughby Hills Family
Health Center
West
• Westlake Medical Campus
• Avon Lake Family
Health Center
South
• Strongsville Family Health and
Surgery Center
• Twinsburg Family Health and
Surgery Center
• Brunswick Family Health Center
Central
• Main Campus
• Sports Health Center (Garfield Heights)
• Independence Family Health Center