Do you “kick” the ground when jogging? Or rather “bounce” off it?
These two are quite similar but also significantly differ. Do you see it on the video?
We recommend the “bouncing” way – and here is why.
“Kicking” makes it easier to use strength and accelerate. On the other hand, the contraction of muscles is bigger and stronger making every single step quite a big effort energy wise. Also, “kicking” leaves the leg behind and again requires a lot of energy to bring it back forward.
For example, running up the hill without losing speed requires more energy than running in a flat area and that’s when we tend to run the “kicking” way. Running the “kicking” way on a flat surface makes strides longer and we end up raising our legs higher.
Longer strides and raising legs higher when running the “kicking” way mean that the shock of every single step is bigger and consequently results in more damage accumulation than in the case of small steps, typical for slow jogging running style and the “bouncing” way.
“Kicking” the ground while running allows using a lot of strength which is useful to speed up quickly. However, in long-distance running requiring a more effective way to save the energy for a longer distance, it is not favorable. When “bouncing” off the ground instead of kicking it, the muscle contraction is weaker and the energy expense is consequently smaller. Also smaller steps make it easier to bring the leg back forward.
From the point of view of energy metabolism “bouncing” off the ground is a highly effective way to run!
Next time you go jogging try both ways – “kicking” and “bouncing” – and compare how it feels. If you realize you used to run the “kicking” way, try to consciously switch to “bouncing”. And let us know if it helps!
***Big thanks to Dr Takuro Matsuda of Fukuoka University Hospital for sharing the video and the analysis!

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