How do ChiRunning and ChiWalking use the principles of T’ai Chi?
Whenever I’ve been asked to be interviewed by the media, I’ve been asked this question…and then been given about 45 seconds to answer. So I challenged myself to come up with a brief description of how ChiRunning and ChiWalking combine the principles of t’ai chi with running and walking, and how that can improve your movement. So here goes… (I’m starting my stopwatch.)
“T’ai chi is the mother of all martial arts, based on the premise that all movement and power originates from your center, not your arms and legs.
For centuries, the Chinese have studied animal movement and found that all movement in the body revolves around a central axis (along the spine) while the arms and legs remain as relaxed as possible and act only as conduits for the force generated by your core.
When these principles of alignment and relaxation are applied in ChiRunning and ChiWalking, efficiency increases and impact with the ground decreases. You can run farther, faster or more often without increasing your risk of injury. Your body no longer breaks down because you’re practicing to run and walk with more fluidity with every step, while using the pull of gravity for propulsion.”
There… 41 seconds flat.
Have a great day,
Danny
HI, DANNY,
Comment by RICK — March 28, 2008 @ 2:30 pmI AM NOW 3 WEEKS INTO MY CHI RUNNING AND COMPLETED A 4 MILE RACE LAST FRIDAY USING THE CHI PRINCIPLES. I FINISHED WITHOUT ANY OF THE CALF MUSCLE OR BACK PAINS I USE TO GET . I STILL NEED MORE PRACTICE TO LEARN TO RELAX MORE, BUT I CAN START TO FEEL MYSELF FLOW ALONG, ALMOST LIKE A KENYAN DISTANCE RUNNER. THANKS DANNY FOR MAKING MY RUNNING FUN AGAIN !
Besides a potential workshop in Vancouver, BC. Canada are there workshops planned for the Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area at any time. I purchased the video etc yet I feel I have not learned the correct method of CHI RUNNING
Comment by Paul Murphy — March 31, 2008 @ 2:16 pmHi Danny,
Comment by eric redding — March 31, 2008 @ 4:04 pmI have read your book and watched your CD several times. I am making progress and am enjoying every step. I have a 14 year old girl running her 1st year of track and plan to introduce her to Chi running after the season. She has had shin splints this year and I know Chi running will help with that. I plan to attend a workshop soon. Thanks for everything and good running.
now that makes total sense! I am almost 56 and still teaching ballroom/latin and a ladies dance fitness workout class..i was running in the arizona desert in the winter (just a beginner runner) and now realized, that although i did squats everyday, since I’m overweight and have like 0 metabolism, my thighs were not strong enough and now I have the painful knees. So I switched to walking. My quantum physics training is teaching me to “engage the observer” whenever possible and I know about energy so I will start working with this today. Thank you
Comment by Alannah Ryane — May 15, 2008 @ 8:38 am