Running Mechanics

Xcelerated Performance is excited about bringing functional core training to the Roanoke Valley. Our holistic approach for training exphasizes movement patterns rather than muscle isolation.

Physical therapist Gary Grey introduced his chain reaction courses in the 90's. These courses viewed muscle function through interrelated groups of muscles and joints working together to perform movements rather than isolated flexion, extension, abduction and adduction.

Let's look at this concept using your Quads. They are the knee extensors. But, in the landing phase of running, they work eccentrically to prevent knee flexion. In fact, each time your foot strikes the ground, the quads, glutes and hamstring act together to stop the ankle, knee and hip from bending to prevent you from falling to the ground. Milliseconds later these same muscles work again as a unit to initiate extension at the ankle, knee and hip. They decelerate movement eccentrically and work concentrically to create movement.

The time between the eccentric and concentric movement is amortization, and the shorter this amortization time the faster you run.

Xcelerated Performance may use isolated exercises to develop a particular muscle quickly but along with isolation is integration, using ground-based exercises to set up appropriate neuro-muscular motor patterns used in running.