Fredrik Zillén - Running Technique Specialist
Fredrik Zillén - Running Technique Specialist
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Studies vs Reality when it comes to running technique
I love referring to well-made studies on running and running technique. Too much is said based on gut feeling and what each runner thinks "has worked for me". I don't give much credit to anecdotal evidence. But it may also be the case that studies are designed in ways that skew the outcome. One such thing is when researchers try to force changes in runners' technique. It is very rarely good, and almost always worse than the way the runners ran in the first place. Something everyone who meets me gets to hear is: "You should not actively DO the movement / adjustment, you should let it happen". Yes, it sounds cheesy/unclear but it really works extremely well. Then it becomes more like adjustments to the technique come by themselves and you don't have to actively think about how to run or how high to lift your knees or how to put your feet down, etc.
In this video I talk about two studies, one about whether changing cadence is a good idea and one that looked at whether going from heel strike to forefoot strike, and vice versa, is better, worse or the same.
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Fredrik Zillén is an running technique specialist that has over the years helped thousands of runners to a more efficient running technique - from the slowest beginners to members of the Swedish national team in running and triathlon who have participated in the World Championships and the Olympics. Fredrik also writes articles on effective running technique for Runner's World magazine.
Following the success of Fredrik Zilléns online course in Swedish, he has also produced an updated and improved version in English. You can find it here: www.fredrikzillen.com
You find the Swedish version at: www.fredrikzillenonline.se
"Fantastic running course. Fredrik is an excellent teacher with a unique approach. I highly recommend this course to runners of all levels."
Kevin, UK
"The best money I have ever spent. Great mix of humour, practical technique and theory. It’s brilliant and I have been telling all my friends about it. I’ve knocked 30 secs off my average pace to 4:30 and at 53 I’m absolutely astonished how relaxed I feel running. It’s also really helped my cycling my adapting similar techniques and visualisation. Thanks so much."
Paul, UK
"Just wanted to say Im 2/3 through your running program and WOW what an insane difference".
Runner, Texas, USA
”I have done the first two audio lessons now. It's amazing what a difference you made for me. I ran 90 minutes yesterday and have never felt so refreshed both during and after the workout, and then I have never run so fast with the same low heart rate. Thanks for that!!”
Update from a runner after two of the six audio lessons
I can honestly say it is some of the clearest and best instruction I have ever recieved in any topic. After a year of shin splints I went for a run yesterday and was almost in (joyful) tears because I had zero pain, so thank you!!
Andrew
”I got your online course and it almost instantly fixed my running form. I can prove that by having half an hour faster marathon finishing time.”
Runner, Indonesia
"I knew nothing about running other than put one foot forward in front of the other...and fast. Then I signed up for his course. Mind blowing!... and too cheap if you ask me. Totally recommend it."
Runner
Read more testimonials here: fredrikzillenonline.newzenler.com/testimonials
The course in English: fredrikzillenonline.newzenler.com
The course in Swedish: www.fredrikzillenonline.se
Переглядів: 6 512

Відео

Great Running Technique tip: Run like a dead octopus
Переглядів 23 тис.14 днів тому
In basically all sports with dynamic movements where you have to create power, the majority of the power comes from the centre of the body, the core and the hip. In addition, relaxation is very important. This is true in golf, boxing, weightlifting, swimming, tennis, football, baseball, cross-country skiing, discus, javelin throwing, shot put and so on. The power comes from the centre of the bo...
Top three myths about running technique
Переглядів 9 тис.Місяць тому
Here are my "Top 3 myths about running technique". There are so many to choose from, but these are the ones I chose. As well as gaining more knowledge per minute you watch, this is also a great compilation to send to your speedy running buddy who claims one or more of these myths to be true. Fredrik Zillén is an running technique specialist that has over the years helped thousands of runners to...
Overweight VS. Normal weight - Which runner has more knee problems?
Переглядів 5 тис.2 місяці тому
It sounds so obvious. Of course, overweight runners suffer from knee problems more often than normal weight runners. Anyone can see that when a heavy runner lands, their knees are virtually crushed by the weight, while a feather-light runner's knees are hardly stressed at all. That's common sense. But then there is the little fact that there are studies on this. Studies that have looked at whet...
FINDING THE RIGHT HYROX SHOE - A guide from a running technique specialist
Переглядів 4,5 тис.2 місяці тому
"Which shoe should I choose?" That is one of the most common questions in Facebook groups about Hyrox. And that is also the question I will try to answer in this video. If you don't know what Hyrox is, this isn't a video for you, but in short, it's like crossfit for runners. You run 1000 metres eight times. Between each run, you do things that require more muscle power, like pushing a sled, pul...
Push off with glute max can make you less efficient and cause lower back pain when running
Переглядів 22 тис.2 місяці тому
Do you use the glute max when you run? Of course you do. Quite a lot actually. So if you thought when you read the title of this video that I was saying that you do NOT use the gluteus maximus, you are wrong. Because of course you do. But over the years I've noticed that many runners don't understand when and how to use the body's largest muscle which means that they can start running in a way ...
The difference between jogging and running
Переглядів 61 тис.3 місяці тому
Everyone knows that there is a difference between jogging and running. Jogging is that slow, heavy way of moving forward a little faster than walking, while running is a faster, more springy and, not least important in a time when social media is important, more beautiful way of moving forward on your two legs. It's like two completely different gaits. Like the difference between trot and gallo...
Why ”Shoulders back for good posture” is a terrible running instruction
Переглядів 11 тис.3 місяці тому
There are many popular instructions that are supposed to give runners a better and more efficient running technique but are almost always terrible. Pulling your shoulders back for good posture is one of them. In this video, you will learn why this is such a bad instruction, how the best in the world do and what is really important when it comes to the movement of the shoulders while running. Fr...
How to get rid of jumper's knee for runners
Переглядів 10 тис.3 місяці тому
If you are a runner who has experienced pain in the patellar tendon just below the kneecap you may suffer from jumper's knee. This video tells you who the most likely to get it, what causes it and what you can do to get rid of it. Or rather, this is one of the many ways to try to recover from jumper's knee. Sometimes you may need shockwave therapy and other things that are difficult to do yours...
Low knee lift can create high braking forces when running
Переглядів 19 тис.4 місяці тому
Yes, if you land too far in front of your centre of mass when running, known as overstride, there is an increased RISK of higher braking forces. But that doesn't mean that the more overstride you have, the more braking forces you have. It is possible to land well under your body and have high braking forces just as it is possible to land too far in front of your centre of mass and still have lo...
How to get a more powerful push off
Переглядів 20 тис.5 місяців тому
If you want to run faster, you need to produce more force. It is therefore easy to think that the best way to create a higher vertical force is to try to hit your feet into the ground harder. It sounds so logical. But that's not how it works. In this video you will learn that the best way to have a powerful push off with higher vertical force is not at all to try to increase the vertical force ...
What many runners get WRONG about LEANING forward
Переглядів 17 тис.5 місяців тому
A majority of the runners I meet lean a little too much forward. Or as it really is: they have their hips too far back. But the bottom line is the same, if you draw a line between the hip and shoulder, that line is tilted too much. An interesting thing is that many people become much more vertical in their posture when they run at a pace that is quite fast for them or when they sprint. Some eve...
Facts, not myths, about cadence and stride length for runners
Переглядів 12 тис.5 місяців тому
Both gold medalist Mo Farah and silver medalist Joshua Cheptegei in the 10,000 metres final at the 2017 World Championships changed their cadence at least 27 steps per minute up and down during the race. But never did they have the same cadence as the other. Again: 27 steps per minute during the same race! Tell that to anyone who says that 180 steps per minute is the optimal cadence for any run...
Run more efficiently - run like a soda can!
Переглядів 29 тис.6 місяців тому
It can be difficult to tell if a runner is leaning too far forward or if the hip is too far back. Because even though it may look similar, there is a big difference. If the hip is a little too far back, you will run less energy efficiently from the first step and it will also be even worse when you start to get tired. However, many runners often fail to follow the instruction: "Move the hip for...
A fun and effective way to get your cadence right when running
Переглядів 15 тис.6 місяців тому
I have made several different videos about cadence. This is both because there are so many runners who talk about cadence and because it is relatively common for recreational runners to have a slightly too low cadence when they run. A trick to keep the cadence you want is to run in rhythm with the runners. The hard part is finding music that has the cadence you want when you run. In this video ...
Focus on what’s IMPORTANT for your running performance!
Переглядів 12 тис.7 місяців тому
Focus on what’s IMPORTANT for your running performance!
Your questions on running technique, vol. 1
Переглядів 7 тис.7 місяців тому
Your questions on running technique, vol. 1
Large movements can cost LESS energy than small movements when running
Переглядів 10 тис.7 місяців тому
Large movements can cost LESS energy than small movements when running
The opposite of bad isn't always good when running
Переглядів 6 тис.7 місяців тому
The opposite of bad isn't always good when running
One million views and your questions about running technique
Переглядів 6 тис.7 місяців тому
One million views and your questions about running technique
Don’t change the cadence by changing the cadence when running
Переглядів 32 тис.8 місяців тому
Don’t change the cadence by changing the cadence when running
No, you probably don't have better technique when running fast
Переглядів 7 тис.8 місяців тому
No, you probably don't have better technique when running fast
Overstride does not increase stride length when running
Переглядів 8 тис.8 місяців тому
Overstride does not increase stride length when running
Why you run slower when you get tired or older (and what you can do about it)
Переглядів 54 тис.9 місяців тому
Why you run slower when you get tired or older (and what you can do about it)
How a softer landing in barefoot shoes can increase the risk of stress fracture when running
Переглядів 10 тис.9 місяців тому
How a softer landing in barefoot shoes can increase the risk of stress fracture when running
"Paw back" is not a thing in running
Переглядів 40 тис.9 місяців тому
"Paw back" is not a thing in running
Yes, you should also move upwards when running
Переглядів 11 тис.10 місяців тому
Yes, you should also move upwards when running
Short contact time when running, what it is, why it’s important and how to get it
Переглядів 29 тис.10 місяців тому
Short contact time when running, what it is, why it’s important and how to get it
Running on treadmill vs. outside - differences in injury risk and energy consumption
Переглядів 22 тис.10 місяців тому
Running on treadmill vs. outside - differences in injury risk and energy consumption
This is Fredrik Zillén - Running Technique Specialist
Переглядів 12 тис.10 місяців тому
This is Fredrik Zillén - Running Technique Specialist

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @SparksXV
    @SparksXV 8 годин тому

    I have a huge problem with hell striking and not lifting my feet up and bringing my legs to far forward what is the best tip to relax my legs into a better motion if I don't do it naturally?

  • @evanalexandr
    @evanalexandr 16 годин тому

    Thank you SO MUCH for this tip! I was struggling to increase my cadence and brought my arms in, up, and swung them faster -- instant 180+ cadence without any thinking. Still struggling to maintain it on really slow, easy runs because then my pace gets too fast with a faster cadence, but this tip has been invaluable.

  • @doorkum
    @doorkum 17 годин тому

    When I was still a beginner my heart rate increases more when I lift my leg higher compared to lower with the same speed. . But as of now it is the opposite. It is probably due to the muscles not yet developed compared.

  • @dimitar297
    @dimitar297 21 годину тому

    Called tripod from a young age, I'm a well hung runner who maximizes thrust without too much lateral flop.

  • @Liasos88
    @Liasos88 День тому

    Really good advice. I have improved my time a lot when running. I had a bad habit to drag my feet when getting fatigued, you think it'd be easier to run but it's actually not.

  • @brainman6182
    @brainman6182 День тому

    i can't take you seriously if you are heel striking...

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 День тому

    The elites at the end are all overstriding. Bekele never used to heelstrike or overstride back in 90s and early 00s but when he switched to roads the unhealthy cushioned shoes changed his form for the worst. Thabkfully they fixed that before his marathon PB. Even elites can overstride, some of the fastest runners in my town have the worst heel striking form I've seen, more heel strike than a bowling alley so we can't go by how fast someone is. Just take off your shoes and you will learn everything you need to know how to run efficiently.

  • @andrewturner5706
    @andrewturner5706 День тому

    Saw your item on foot lift rather than strike being important. Virtually every coach online talks about foot strike. Once again the experts are wrong. Congratulations. What you said is 100% true. Concentrate on the foot lift and your form improves straight away. It is instantaneous and so easy.

  • @Kelly_Ben
    @Kelly_Ben 2 дні тому

    That treadmill demo was eye opening. I think I'm tensing up and wasting a lot of energy trying to apply all of the "rules" of proper form, instead of relaxing and letting my body do what feels natural.

  • @atreides566
    @atreides566 2 дні тому

    I was half expecting him to go out running with a technique worthy of the ministry of silly walks in the end

  • @Kelly_Ben
    @Kelly_Ben 2 дні тому

    Gah- shoes on the pillow! TRIGGERED!!! 😂 Another banger of a video, thanks! From someone with a broken circadian rhythm who simply can't sleep, so focuses on all the other details.

  • @Kelly_Ben
    @Kelly_Ben 2 дні тому

    Finally... vindicated!! I have exercise induced asthma, so would often have asthma attacks after sprints. My go to position to recover was hands on knees, but people would always lecture me to put my hands over my head... which just felt AWFUL! And the self selected cadence bit was a relief too! Heck, it was all fascinating!

    • @TheDwanius
      @TheDwanius 14 годин тому

      Hands on your knees allows mechanical advantage to utilize more of the top portion of the lungs using the shoulders to help inhale. Hands on head eliminates that but trains the diaphragm in that moment to help make it stronger. Coaches say don’t bend over but don’t understand why they were told to say that. Both have their place.

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 2 дні тому

    The reason people have bad running form is because of shoes. Running in shoes is like trying to play darts with a blindfold on. A coach can only show you what they 'think' is correct technique for 'you' but running barefoot provides the feedback necessary to learn how to run gently and efficiently. Your soles can teach you more than any running coach ever could and that is only their opinion on what is the best way for you to run. Running should come naturally as a spider doesn't need an architect course to spin a web they do it instinctively. Shoes interfere with your stride programming, we all should of learned from a young age under 10 how to run without shoes and programmed a natural stride but we can learn by taking our shoes off and listening to our soles. 10K barefoot running a week is all you need so that when you run in shoes you know and recall the correct gait patterns.

  • @stuartrobinson1593
    @stuartrobinson1593 2 дні тому

    Fredrik! Hero!

  • @Jose-tk3xh
    @Jose-tk3xh 2 дні тому

    I agree completely. In my case, with 90 kg, I came to the conclusion that for me the best thing to do is the opposite of what the elite runners do.

  • @robertoflores2786
    @robertoflores2786 3 дні тому

    Spot on advice. More people need to hear this. Sleep Strength Run more Eat better

  • @nikto573
    @nikto573 3 дні тому

    Please could you make a video of some exercises for preventing shin splints?

  • @dohuyngoc1312
    @dohuyngoc1312 3 дні тому

    Hilarious outro. Thanks for your videos.

  • @codecaine
    @codecaine 4 дні тому

    👏👏

  • @joemoya9743
    @joemoya9743 4 дні тому

    Preferred cadence is a by-product of fitness level and environment (including changes in ground gradient). In essence, preferred cadence is determined by muscular contractions and center of mass relative to the ground. But, this preferred cadence may or may not be optimal. Like you noted in your example, shifting cadence for a runner based on "feel" can yield good results. However, that does not conflict with optimal cadence defined by the laws of motion that also aligns with optimal biomechanics. However, biomechanics frequently conflicts with aerobic ability (or in ultra endurance events it also conflicts with metabolism efficiency). Your example of a spinning skater is correct, but it also illustrates the difference between optimal and preferred rotational speed. While tucking the arms closer increases speed, extending them may be preferable if the athlete can't maintain the physical ability needed for a faster spin. In running this ability is called aerobic capacity. However, the key distinction in the skating example is that rotational speed depends solely on momentum, as force is applied only at the beginning. In contrast, running involves both momentum and repeated force application to maintain forward motion. This is an important difference when it comes to limits defined by the aerobic capacity of the athlete. Running speed (pace) is determined by two factors: 1) Distance covered per "push-off" (stride) 2) Steps per minute (cadence) To increase pace, you must increase stride, cadence, or both. STRIDE is primarily limited by LEG LENGTH (height), while CADENCE is constrained by FITNESS level and environmental factors, unlike a skater's arm position during a spin. Laws of Motions in Physics (not ability) define most of a skaters spin while physical ability plays a bigger role in running. In short, cadence and spin are not equivalents. Spin is force applied once while cadence is force applied repeatedly. Higher cadences are typically more optimal but may not be preferred if the runner can't sustain them. Targeting higher cadences can improve fitness over time, but it won't necessarily lead to more efficient running based on overall pace for an extended race unless the runner specifically trains at that higher cadence. This is no different than training at different paces to run faster and where increasing cadence is a more universal way to increase pace since leg length is fixed. The balance between efficient pace and efficient cadence varies for each runner. However, the optimal pace based solely on physics remains constant. Achieving this balance requires individualized training and adaptation. And, where cadence is most adaptable since stride is mostly a by-product of leg length. This is why increasing cadence over time as a goal is a more effective way to improve pace. In effect, this shifts the "runner's comfort level/feel" (i.e., aerobic AND biomechanical efficiency) toward a faster pace at a faster cadence (for most).

  • @brentmerrifielda6248
    @brentmerrifielda6248 4 дні тому

    Previously focused so much on forced-consistency in performance that I’d actually trip over my own feet. Fredrik, thank you, you’re the first coach to actually help me find a more sustainable way of improving my cadence, so performance improves naturally.

  • @ArthasMal
    @ArthasMal 4 дні тому

    8:20 You are probably right. But lines on photos are definitely overexaggerated. On left COM line doesn't go through hip, more like through TFL. On right COM line goes more over hip joint. Also on left she is touching ground already, while on right I think she is still fully in the air.

  • @Ian.Does.Fitness
    @Ian.Does.Fitness 4 дні тому

    Thank you Fredrik! 🙏 I will put these exercises into practice as I rehab my calf. I now know why my calf probably failed thanks to you! 🙏

  • @mandalguitar3284
    @mandalguitar3284 4 дні тому

    Conclusion: If you start with perfect running techniques, then the cadence will automaticly also be perfect ! 🤔

  • @robboddice9418
    @robboddice9418 5 днів тому

    Excellent analysis. 15 years ago I was an over-striding heel striker and in more or less constant agony. My natural gait was definitely not optimal. Fixing the over stride adjusted me to a midfoot strike and I've been pain-free running ever since.

  • @mp9386
    @mp9386 5 днів тому

    Do you need strong hamstrings to hold the leg in flexion (90degrees) for a good knee drive? How should you strengthen?

  • @MrJohnno89
    @MrJohnno89 5 днів тому

    What are some of these angles and things to change to make you lighter and to naturally increase cadence?

    • @moose1689
      @moose1689 4 дні тому

      This would be interesting to know!

    • @TheValonquar
      @TheValonquar 4 дні тому

      I think it involves running tall and tilting your pelvis forward.

  • @rickbowker
    @rickbowker 5 днів тому

    Thanks Fredrik, I've benefited greatly from your videos! There are so many so called running form coaches giving bad and dangerous advice out in UA-cam land!

  • @mightbeanybody
    @mightbeanybody 5 днів тому

    Very good, esp.foot down or foot up. Lawrence Van Lingren coaches 'don't run towards the finish line, run the finish line to you. Imagine you are spinning the world under you'. IMO this encourages the foot to linger a bit on the ground. I ask people to imagine they are running across ants but not hurting them. My 76yo wife said she preferred thinking about running across hot coals and onour run immediately went from heavy-footed 8:00 miling to flying 6:15 miling! Only for a few hundered meters but I was amazed at the effect (foot up instead of down in hert case and reduced GCT).

  • @bui340
    @bui340 5 днів тому

    🎉

  • @goldenmean7079
    @goldenmean7079 5 днів тому

    Tremendously helpful! Best running form tip!

  • @Kalderod1
    @Kalderod1 5 днів тому

    Always very interesting videos! Thanks!

  • @Ian.Does.Fitness
    @Ian.Does.Fitness 5 днів тому

    Fredrik! What an excellent video! You explain actually quite complicated biomechanical systems very clearly! Thank you so much! Many years ago I needed to learn how to run better and got sucked into the whole Pose/Chi/barefoot rabbit hole and only learned how little science they actually know. Great to see someone who explains in simple terms what we actually need to do to become more efficient runners. When I recover from injury I shall be buying your course. Thank you 🙏

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 7 днів тому

    I refuse to do anything else but run, strides for me over jump rope

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 7 днів тому

    and they say running isn't a skill...

  • @nikto573
    @nikto573 7 днів тому

    😂

  • @nikto573
    @nikto573 7 днів тому

    Heel off

  • @katesmiles4208
    @katesmiles4208 7 днів тому

    😂

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 7 днів тому

    Haha this video made me laugh, I used to run in barefoot shoes with my toe pointing downward (plantarflex) before each footstrike but now since I run from the hips and allow my heel to kiss the ground my foot is level before impact.

  • @natesilvers2166
    @natesilvers2166 7 днів тому

    You lean forward from the ankles when beginning your run, you lean forward in mid-stance, when both feet are off the ground you don't lean foward but once the first foot hits the ground in mid-stance you are again leaning forward.

  • @joaoalatar
    @joaoalatar 7 днів тому

    Man I love the power of internet! And I'm thankful to have found your video!

  • @LGTVQHD
    @LGTVQHD 7 днів тому

    DAMN, i run exactly at 7 min mile, for now.

  • @Rubensgardens.Skogsmuseum
    @Rubensgardens.Skogsmuseum 8 днів тому

    Tack Fredrik. Ska kolla lite mer videos. Jobbar på mitt livs bästa form och fyller 50 nästa år. Konditionsmässigt kan jag glömma det men teknikmässigt absolut. Det blir nog något köp av dig i framtiden för det är du värd.

  • @wouter238
    @wouter238 9 днів тому

    During yesterday's run this octopus was in the back of my head constantly. Ran more relaxed though.. But still I went into zone3. I always struggle to stay in zone2.

  • @mykolkaaa
    @mykolkaaa 9 днів тому

    Consider arms amputation to run faster. Thought?

  • @Adantan
    @Adantan 9 днів тому

    As always, very interesting and helpfull information! I am curious about the "seated position", do ultrarunners run like that? Or maybe the "elevated position" doesn't apply on multiple hour runs?

  • @kevinscott4938
    @kevinscott4938 9 днів тому

    I saw the title, tried the technique and last 2 runs have been alot better, more distance, lower heart rate. No idea if I’m following his technique right I’m just relaxing my body more and running is a lot “easier”

  • @ekteTV2011
    @ekteTV2011 9 днів тому

    Thanks for this video! I watched it, and your octopus and cadence videos recently, and tried to have more mobility and elasticity in my shoulders on my last run, and was more than 20 seconds faster than my best this season! And it felt just as relaxed as before (or even more). I love the way you explain why certain running myths are not valid, and the tips you give for better efficiency.

  • @BigMac8008
    @BigMac8008 10 днів тому

    I disagree with this video. I think better defining what you mean by "energy" would clear things up. But, lifting your legs more is going to, in turn, accelerate the speed of your run. This is going to require your body to use more energy stores as your heart rate and blood flow increases. We are complex biological objects. Comparing our energy output to that of mechanical objects that don't have any internal biological mechanisms working, is ill-thought-out. With that being said, I find it much more comfortable to let my feet naturally rise in the back, as opposed to keeping them close to the ground. But just because it is more comfortable (a result of proper technique) does not mean it uses less energy. It uses an increased amount of energy, but more efficiently.

  • @craptacular8282
    @craptacular8282 11 днів тому

    To anyone that is thinking about trying Fredrik's online course, I tried it and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Well worth the money.