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Why do women run with their heels kicking outward? Is it just to look good, or is there a practical reason for it? We explore the benefits of this style of running and why it may be the best way for women to run.
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Introduction
There is no one answer to this question as each person may have their own reason for running with their heels kicking outward. Some possible explanations include wanting to avoid injury, trying to improve running form, or simply being more comfortable in this position. Ultimately, it is up to the individual runner to experiment with different techniques and determine what works best for them.
The Science Behind It
Women have been kicking their heels outward while running since the early 1900s. Some people believe that it makes them run faster, but is there any science to back that up? Let’s take a look.
The Evolutionary Advantage
The high-heeled shoes worn by many women today may be viewed as a fashion accessory, but they actually have their origins in practicality. heels were originally designed to prevent a rider’s feet from slipping out of stirrups while riding a horse.
Interestingly, research has shown that women tend to run with their heels kicking outwards, while men tend to run with their toes pointed inward. This difference is thought to be due to the different shapes of men’s and women’s pelvises. Women’s pelvises are generally wider than men’s, which causes them to run with a different gait.
There are several theories as to why women evolved this way, but one possibility is that it gave them an advantage in childbearing. Women who ran with their heels kicking outwards would have exerted less pressure on their pelvic bones and ligaments, which could have helped to prevent or reduce the likelihood of injuries during pregnancy and childbirth.
The Biomechanics of It
When you watch a woman running, you might notice that her heels often kick out to the side. This is called “heel strike,” and it’s actually a very efficient way to run. Here’s a closer look at the biomechanics of why heel strike is so effective.
When you run, your foot hits the ground in three phases: heel strike, mid-stance, and toe-off. Heel strike is when your heel hits the ground first. This can happen either on your forefoot or your midfoot, but most runners tend to land on their heels first. Mid-stance is when your weight is evenly distributed between your forefoot and your heel. And toe-off is when you push off from your toes to start the next stride.
Most runners have a heel-to-toe ratio of about 60/40. That means that 60% of their weight is on their heels at heel strike, and 40% is on their toes at toe-off. But research has shown that women tend to have a more even 50/50 distribution of weight between their heels and toes. This may be one of the reasons why heel strike is more efficient for women runners.
Another reason why heel strike is more efficient for women runners is that it allows them to land with their knees bent. When you land with your knees bent, it absorbs shock better than if you land with straight legs. This can help prevent injuries like shin splints and stress fractures.
So if you’re a woman runner, don’t be afraid to let your heels kick out to the side! It’s actually one of the best ways to run efficiently and avoid injuries.
The Health Benefits
Women have a different style of running than men. They tend to land on their heels first and then shift their weight forward, whereas men land on their forefeet. This difference in style may be due to the fact that women have wider hips and narrower waists than men, which changes the way their center of gravity is situated.
Improved Posture
When you kick your heels out while running, it forces your hips and glutes to work harder. This in turn helps to improve your posture and can make you look taller and more confident. Additionally, improved posture can help to prevent pain in the lower back and hips.
Increased Calorie Burn
The health benefits of running are many, and one of the most important is that it can help you burn calories and lose weight. Running with your heels kicking outward helps you burn more calories because it works your muscles harder.
When your heels kick out, your muscles have to work harder to stabilise your body, which means you’re burning more calories. This is especially true if you run on uneven surfaces or hills. If you want to maximise your calorie burn, make sure to keep your heels kicking outwards throughout your run.
Reduced Injuries
By running with a moreForward Lean, you will reduce the impact forces on your heels and ankles. The further forward you lean, the more your foot will strike the ground in front of your body, instead of directly beneath it. This means that your calf muscles and Achilles tendons will not have to work as hard to decelerate your heel strike, and therefore they are less likely to become injured.
How to Do It
When you see a woman running with her heels kicking out, it may look strange. But there’s a good reason for it. This way of running actually helps improve your speed and endurance. It may take a little bit of practice to get used to, but it’s worth it in the long run.
Warming Up
Warming up before you run is essential to preventing injury and getting the most out of your workout. A good warm-up will increase your heart rate and body temperature, which will in turn increase blood flow to your muscles. This will help prepare your muscles for the demands of running and reduce the risk of joint and muscle injury.
There are a number of different ways to warm up before you run, but one of the most effective methods is to do a dynamic warm-up. This involves active movements that mimic the actions used in running.
Here is a basic dynamic warm-up routine that you can do before your next run:
1. Start by jogging slowly for 2-3 minutes to increase your heart rate and body temperature.
2. Then, do a series of 10-15yd Accelerations. To do this, start by jogging at a slow pace for 10yds, then accelerate quickly to near top speed over the next 10yds. jog slowly for another 10yds to recover, then repeat the acceleration 8-10 more times.
3. Next, do some lateral shuffles across a 20yd distance. To do this, start by standing with your feet together, then take small steps to the side while keeping low to the ground. Once you reach the 20yd mark, turn around and shuffle back to where you started. Repeat this 3-4 times.
4. Finally, finish with some high knees and butt kicks down a 50yd distance. To do this, start by jogging in place while bringing your knees up as high as possible with each stride (high knees). After 30yds, begin kicking your heels back towards your glutes with each stride (butt kicks). Continue down the entire length of the 50yds before stopping.
The Right Form
There are a few different types of running gaits, but the two most common are heel striking and forefoot striking. Heel strikers tend to land on their heels first, then roll through to their toes, while forefoot strikers land on the balls of their feet first.
There are a few different schools of thought on which type of gait is best, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what feels comfortable for you. Some runners find that heel striking gives them more stability and cushioning, while others find that forefoot striking makes them feel lighter on their feet.
If you’re not sure which type of running gait is best for you, it’s a good idea to experiment with both and see what feels better. You can also talk to a running coach or experienced runner for advice on finding the right form for you.
Cooling Down
When you finish your run, it’s important to cool down properly. This helps your body to recover and prevents you from feeling dizzy or nauseous. To cool down, slow your pace gradually over the last 5–10 minutes of your run. Once you’ve stopped running, walk for a few minutes to help your body recover. stretches, such as touching your toes or reaching up towards the sky.
Conclusion
There is no scientific consensus on why women tend to run with their heels kicking outward, but there are a few theories. One theory is that women’s hips are narrower than men’s, which causes their legs to rotate outward more when they run. Another theory is that women’s shoes are often designed with a narrower heel, which encourages an outward rotation. Finally, some experts believe that women naturally have a more pronated foot (a foot that rolls inward when weight is applied), which also contributes to an outward rotation of the leg.
