Improving Your Shoulder Rotation on the Run

Do you hold your shoulders too tightly on the run? By not rotating your shoulders you'll limit your hip extension and ultimately your speed on the run. Here are my tips to improve your shoulder rotation on your run.

[@jonb9194]

It's a beautiful thing when the arm and shoulder rotation matches the leg and hip forces, allowing the core to relax. Also, I've never seen a distance running world record holder that had their shoulders locked up and their arms swinging in the sagittal plane. It's a mystery how this idea of the arms moving straight forward and back even got started.

[@MellifluentMelli]

As a newer runner, I started running during COVID and relied on online resources to learn. Nearly everything online advises that correct running form means arms should swing forward and back *only* and rotational movement should be limited as much as possible. I’ve been running like that robot described in this video and could feel something was off, especially because I wasn’t getting faster despite steady and consistent training. I recently started really examining how long distance runners actually move and was trying to add in that bit of rotation myself, hoping it was the right thing to do. I felt that magic you talk about when things line up and knew I was on the right track - and finding this video has finally confirmed it! Glad to have some actual pointers instead of just kind of feeling my way through it every run!!

[@xXAnthony619Xx]

Tips from a legend to a novice! Thanks! It's such a trip how UA-cam can sometimes take you exactly where you needed to be. I've been doing ~4 miles a day on my weight loss journey to running a marathon and have been getting shoulder issues. I AM THAT ROBOT. Definitely will implement this on my next runs!

[@Berelo320]

Thanks Dave

[@alc6276]

Your videos are really helpful Dave. I enjoy watching them and look forward to seeing more. Thanks.

[@jseales86]

I had been dropping my right shoulder and left hip. For a few years, I couldn't figure out how to correct it. I then worked on single leg drills in the mirror. I realized that I when I was letting my left left (standing on my right) I was not getting any rotation forward, shutting down my right glute. I added a little rotation in, focusing on keeping my right nip level and forward when driving my left knee, and I felt so much more relaxed and fluid. The minor rotation is key.

[@sonsoftheedelweiss72]

Thanks Dave!!!!!

[@freeridefried]

Really enjoy your videos! 👍

[@johnb3ic317]

Thank you!

[@renewiggers4254]

Great👍

[@Boogieforme]

If the shoulder allows for hip extension, would having large hips and small shoulders exaggerate this movement? I had an analysis today when purchasing new shoes, and the person who helped me pointed out an exaggerated hip movement, but I'm also rather pear shaped.

[@sbardellajulio3114]

👍