Tips for techniques with arms?!: I feel like... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,412 members158,563 posts

Tips for techniques with arms?!

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate
14 Replies

I feel like this might be a really silly question/thought, but, while I’m running I always end up feeling like I’m running with T-Rex arms. I become conscious that I’m running with my arms really close to my chest and way too high up? I hope people know what I mean and would love some suggestions as to how high I should have my arms when running etc?

Sorry if I’m talking nonsense 😩

Written by
StudentNursee profile image
StudentNursee
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
14 Replies
kevfromfev profile image
kevfromfevGraduate

Hi StudentNurse, everyone has an individual style but recommended is arms at 90 deg, shoulders back not hunched, don’t lean forwards and keep your hands loose, hope this helps you

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to kevfromfev

Thank you so much, I will definitely try this on my next run! x

Try and be mindful as you run (I know you may be just concentrating on getting through the run :) ). Lift your head, nice straight back (this will help taking in oxygen), nice gentle jog and arms like a train (if that makes sense), with relaxed hands. Your arms can help you powering forward, so use them well :)

If I see someone running with t-rex arms, I will be sure to stop and say hello :)

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to

Haha definitely concentrating on getting through the run but I will try to remember arms like a train! 😂

I’ve been trying to spot fellow T-Rex arm runners but I’m yet to find any!

Thank you for you comment 😊 xx

Tbae profile image
Tbae

Yes as advised,

Arms 90 deg., brushing your sides, no clenched fists, brings tension into your shoulders and neck, if you must close your hands kiss them gently together or have them open,

Arms brushing your sides gently, if you feel tension drop your arms and shake them out as your running.This will clear any tension.

If you feel yourself slouching take a deep breath in and your chest will

Lift naturally and your shoulders will straighten up.

Don’t think too much about your breathing , just do it, naturally for you , nose, mouth, both.Stuff comes later.

Not sure which week your on, but your arms are to help power you forward and for good balance also.

Trust the C25k programme and Laura/MJ on running form.Just mentioned them because have not used the others.

Hope this helps,all questions good

on here, you need to find the gems for your journey.We are all unique.

Keep bringing and sharing your gems also on your journey of continuous improvement.🌟👏👏

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to Tbae

Thank you! So helpful! I’m currently on week 4 so I will try and remember your advice throughout my journey!

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to StudentNursee

Enjoy this gift to yourself.💥🏃‍♀️💥

Should have said that arms are also used for your co- ordination.🌟👏👏

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Just relaxed and bent at right angles, just lightly brushing your sides... shoulders and hands relaxed:)

Imagine you are holding a bag of crisps in your hand, lightly...trying not to crush them :)

try not to overthink it..just stay relaxed:)

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I love crisps so I would certainly not want to crush them haha, I’m sure I’ll remember this tip 😂 thank you!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

As they said 😀. Once you’ve loosened them from your chest you will feel a lot freer in your running.

However, a tip for running uphills is to increase the arm angle up to around 45ish, still just brushing your sides, looking a bit as if you are going to punch yourself a glancing blow at the side of the head if it were followed through - if you see what I mean - as this helps to power you upwards.

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to AnnieW55

Thank you! I’ve not tackled running uphill yet but thank you anyway 😊 x

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

This may help active.com/running/articles...

StudentNursee profile image
StudentNurseeGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you!

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

I play Air drums every now and then in time with whatever music im listening to. It stops me from tensing up my arms and hands, is a good way to "set" them at parallel to my body and it stops me getting too serious about my running - gotta keep it fun on at least some level, right? :)

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

You may also like...

Tips on correct running technique

Improve your running and reduce your change of pain and strain with these simple running tips:...

Breathing technique!!

find my breathing to be shallow while running, I can now however talk between sets, last week that...

Advice on breathing techniques please !

breathing under control. I’m ok, but need advice. I tend to mouth breath too as my nose runs in the...

Running Downhill - Favoured techniques?

until you get to the bottom otherwise you get a really accentuated heel strike which spoils the...

Strenghening arms when running

with arms strength while running? Wearable weights or something? I have no clue. Time is really...