Gait analysis - how long does it take ?

[KateMac]

Ive been thinking of having this done for ages and last year had decided I would get a fancy new pair of trainers for Xmas. Then for various reasons I stopped running around October/ november and have only just started again. Im on week 4 and hate the idea of having to run in front of some fit young sporty types and getting very embarrassed and flustered becuse I'm all out of breath and sweaty after only a few minutes. Quite why I keep graduating and stopping is a whole other issue , if I hadnt stopped (again!) I wouldnt be so unfit now but im getting a few twinges in my ankles and shins so I guess I really should get some better trainers. I would probably go to Sweatshop so would love to hear abour whats involved before I psych myself up and go in.

[MarkyD Graduate]

I've just had my gait analysed. The running shop set me running on a treadmill for 5 minutes on a gentle pace, then took me outside of the shop to run for real. I did half a dozen circuits of their carpark. It all took 15 minutes at most. Longest delay was waiting for the qualified member of staff to become available. Cannot recommend it enough, and they would have been quite happy for me to not go on the treadmill.

Only downside is you'll come out with a new pair of shoes £££.

My chap was lovely, and asked me during the consultation if I was a triathlete..... "Do I look like a triathlete?????" was my incredulous answer.

[Becca66 Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

Gosh, how flattering! No one ever says things like that to me!

[TurboTortoise Graduate]

I had my gait analysed at Sweatshop last year (on possibly the hottest day of the year!) when I was also doing week 4, it was actually quite fun and very useful. They take imprints of your bare feet to check the structure of your arches, then video the back of your legs (below the knee) while you run very gently on a treadmill, for about 30 seconds max. Then they analyse the results and try you out in various different shoes that will correct any imbalance (more gentle running on the treadmill). I bought some shoes I'm still very happy with, but there's no pressure to make a purchase. Apparently they're going to have a sale soon though, so that's worth watching out for.

[notbad Graduate]

I got mine done at 'Sweatshop' last week and like you I was a bit nervous, especially as I can't get on with treadmills. It was fine, the assistants were lovely, and after trying me on the treadmill agreed I wasn't running in a way natural to me so got me to run around the shop instead. They also got me to stand on a glass slab which showed pressure distribution, how high my arches are, and got me to do various movements while filming my legs/ankles. They also got me to stand on a pad to take an indentation to show which insoles were appropriate - this is the only bit I had qualms about, as the insoles were £45 and she called them 'custom', but can't see how they were as she produced them very quickly, I declined to buy those. Apparently I can go back and get them any time I like, which leads me to further suspect they are off the shelf rather than custom made.

The whole thing, including trying out various trainers took 30 mins. Definitely don't be nervous, and if you are worried about any part of the process let them know, they are there to help you and sell you very expensive shoes - they will be nice about it.

[AncientMum Graduate]

I went to Sweatshop too. It took about 1/2 hr and there was absolutely no pressure to buy either the trainers or the custom insoles. It's really interesting to see the footage of yourself running in the treadmill and how your feet land each time. I was very anxious beforehand at the thought of running in front of some uber-athlete sales person but I was served by a very knowledgeable mature lady who was full of good advice and ideas. So go for it!!

[KateMac Graduate]

Thanks everyone,

good to hear your experiences and recommendations. I'm still a little scared about going in but I probably should. maybe it will be my reward for when I've done the dreaded W5 R3 again!

[paul2014 Graduate]

As above really. Went to Sweatshop a couple of weeks ago. I opted for the custom insoles (they are heated up and moulded to the shape of your foot) as I tried the shoes with and without them. The shoes felt much more supportive/secure with the insoles so I bought them even though I was under no pressure to do so.

[notbad Graduate in reply to paul2014]

Ah, thanks Paul, that explains it - do you feel they are worth the £45?

[paul2014 Graduate in reply to notbad]

Hi notbad. If I'm honest I think £45 is a bit steep and I had already decided before going that I wouldn't buy them. However, I tried the shoes with and without and they felt much better with them in. At the end of the day I decided comfort was the way to go and I don't regret buying them at all. The thing to remember is that you'll normally buy the shoes a half size bigger than your normal shoe size to give room between your toes and the front of the shoe so you dont end up with a bruised big toe so I suppose the insoles help to 'fill' that extra space. All I know is they are sooooo comfy and I didn't realise how much of a difference a proper pair of running shoes could make.

[notbad Graduate in reply to paul2014]

Thanks

[MightDieTrying]

Oh this is all very interesting... I'm planning on treating myself to some swanky new trainers on graduation in 3 weeks. Gait analysis doesn't sound so intimidating now! Thanks x

[paul2014 Graduate in reply to MightDieTrying]

Go for it. You'll deserve them after completing the c25k I was a little apprehensive but the running machines I used were tucked away behind a screen so the whole shop wasn't watching Thing to remember is that everyone in the shop, staff and customers, all have the same thing in comment ie running, so chances are they won't bat an eyelid.