ChiRunning DVD: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-free Running
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DVD details
Primary Contributor: Danny DreyerDVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown)
Running Time: 56 minutes
Published: 2004
Audience Rating: G (General Audience)
Model: 3002
Studio: FireLight Films
Product features:
- run with less injury
- step-by-step instructions
DVD Reviews of ChiRunning DVD: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-free Running
DVD Review: Disappointed
Summary: 1 Stars
I purchased the book "ChiRunning" and loved it. I then expected this video to supplement and enhance the material in the book. However, most of the video merely repeated what was in the book--and not as well as what was in the book. This video was definitely not worth what I paid for it.DVD Review: Critical Review of ChiRunning by a barefoot runner
Summary: 1 Stars
I have been a barefoot runner since 2005, at which time I re-learned how to correctly run using my awareness and the teachings of numerous sources. I have read Danny Dryer's ChiRunning book and watched his ChiRunning DVD. I have also studied The Pose Running Technique on DVD and the workbook. In addition, I have experience practicing Qi Gong (Chi Kung), meditation, and yoga. I have also studied anatomy, posture, The Alexander Technique, and Rolfing Structural Integration. My partner is also a Chinese Medicine professional and Acupuncturist. So basically, I know a thing or two in this field...
In light of the acclaim that Danny Dryer is receiving for his ChiRunning technique, there are some critical errors and marketing misperceptions that I feel should be addressed. I base these insights on my own personal experience and my extensive research into natural running techniques and chi energy.
1. This book does not at all use the chi (qi) energy for running. Dryer teaches a method of using gravity to encourage the body to move through space. After reading and watching Dryer's published material, it is clear to me that he uses the term "chi" as a marketing strategy. All things eastern - yoga, tai chi, etc - are hot selling points these days. Yes, Dryer states that he has practiced Qi Gong under a teacher. However, nowhere in the DVD or book does he teach about the movement of chi the body, its pathways or its functions. Dryer should have title his technique "Gravity Running" instead.
2. Dryer combines a commonly misunderstood Pilates technique (tightening the core), claming it to be engaging the "hara" or "dan tien / tan tien". While the dan tien is the chi energy center below the navel, never are core muscles used when working with this center. Tightening any muscles will take a person's awareness away from the energy and into the muscular contraction sensation. Contracting muscles may create heat which is often believed to be chi by many beginners, however heat and chi are very different.
In the original Pilates technique, as taught by Joseph Pilates, only the largest, deepest muscles of the core are "engaged" not tightened. This is more akin to placing the awareness in the core while using only the softest tension. Most people misunderstand Pilates and tighten the abdominal muscles which then causes improper posture. Watching the ChiRunning DVD and observing Danny Dryer's posture, it is clear that his posture is far from ideal. Improper core tension and running technique could possibly be the cause of this, however other causes could also exist.
3. Dryer teaches to tighten the core muscle to tilt the pelvis. This lengthens the lower back, thus straightening the spine and removing the natural curve. By straightening the natural curve, the natural spring in the spine is removed leading to possible spine injury. Watching the DVD clearly shows the postural flaw caused by this unnatural movement. I am very suprised to see the noticably poor posture that Dryer and his students showed in this instructional video.
Also, by tightening the core muscles, excess tension is created in the body that will interfere with the body's natural movement. By creating tension in the core, the entire body is adversely affected because the core is the body's center of gravity and the psoas muscles in the deep core extend into the legs and upper back and ribs. Tension in the core will also restrict the rig cage's ability to expand sufficiently to allow proper oxygen in the lungs.
4. Landing on the middle of the foot works against the anatomy of the foot. The arch of the foot acts like a rubber band that allows the foot to spring forward when running on the ball and toes. Running with the middle of the foot first causes the ball and head to hit at the same time, causes jarring sensations in the foot, ankle, and leg.
As seen in the photos in the book and in the DVD video, Dryer wears modern full cushion running shoes that elevate the heal. Ask any expert in anatomy and/or Olympic-level running will teach, these shoes are injuries waiting to happen. A person can only get an accurate anatomical running experience by learning to run barefoot. Barefoot running quickly shows us how to correctly run. We can then return to running in shoes in a safer, more natural and more energy efficient way.
5. Danny Dryer encourages the runner to tilt the body forward, taking the work off of the muscles and letting gravity act as a source of propulsion. Yes, this does work. However this style of running does not make effective use of the muscles and creates a very awkward experience that does not feel natural. Observe the running style of the world's greatest Olympic athletes and you will see all long distance runners stand erect while landing on the ball and toes of the feet.
--
If you have read this far into my review, you may be left looking for a solution. My best recommendation is to read the book Running Fast and Injury Free by Gordon Pirie. Pirie has held many world records and Olympic medals. He is one of few runners who, in my opinion, has perfected the art of running. His principles are based upon a lifetime of learning from top Olympic runners and beating nearly all of them or their records. Since age 14, Pirie ran with Olympic record holders. In addition, Dr. Nicholas Romanov's Pose Method of Running contains value insights into the physiology of running.
Above all else, since most of us grew up in shoes, we must re-teach ourselves to walk and run as the body's design intends. We must learn to move barefoot. Even if we choose to run every race in shoes, learning to run while barefoot is a necessary part of the process. So find a soft stretch of dirt, sand, grass, sidewalk or road and get started. Skip 99.9% of the theory and get back to the reality of running. Use your mind to observe your body and make corrections as you go. And above all else - have fun!
DVD Review: Keep going...and going...and going...
Summary: 5 Stars
For forty-one years I HATED "Running." The shin splints, back pain, hip pain...not to mention the embarrassment of folding over sucking wind after about 1/2 mile. My 10 year-old pointed to Chi-Running in a store, patted my belly and said, "Dad, why don't you try this?" I did and it worked wonderfully for me. I've had back issues in the past (a displaced disk) and using the ChiRunning techniques has actually helped relive much of the pain. And as far as distance goes, the first day out I went 1.5 miles without walking. By the end of the second week I was up to 2.5 miles, up and down hills, no problem. If you're doing it correctly, you just chug along like the Little Engine That Could. I can honestly say, that I now LOOK FORWARD to my daily run, excited about what path I might take, knowing that I can make it. ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free RunningDVD Review: Great companion with the Chi Running book
Summary: 4 Stars
I have read Danny Dreyer's book on Chi Running but I also wanted the DVD as a companion visual guide to my journey in improving my runs one day at a time. I like the principles I am learning from the DVD. My husband doesn't have the motivation to read the book so he watches the different sections of the DVD.DVD Review: Great information but......!
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this DVD ChiRunning DVD: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-free Runningand related text about three years ago, and have been training using Chi techniques ever since. I originally tried this approach because I could no longer run. I had a long time Archilles tendon injury which had finally prevented me from training. The techniques taught in this DVD and the text allowed me to continue to train again, including running marathons and competing in Ironman competitions. However, I did overtrain my hamstring muscles leading to injury and ischium tuberosity pain.
One person wrote of a plantar faciitis problem. I don't know about that. But, after 3 years of running with this technique and using a running metronome while training I have had no problems in this area but, I do have high arches, if that makes any difference. Initially, I ran much slower albiet easier, then better and faster, and all the time with less effort and a more stable heart rate. I am a senior runner, being over 61 years-of-age. (But, I am still a runner!)
These techniques can get you back on your feet if you have had certain leg and knee injuries. But like all exercise, remember to warm up properly prior to training.
I do feel that the $40 cost for the DVD is a bit high.
Description of ChiRunning DVD: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-free Running
NEW EDITION! Practiced by thousands of runners, the ChiRunning technique is easy to learn and takes the benefits of running beyond cardiovascular and aerobic by addressing the needs of the whole person; joints and ligaments, body and soul. You'll learn to run using your highly efficient core muscles while relaxing the rest of your body, allowing gravity to do the work instead of your legs. Using principles of T'ai Chi, ChiRunning combines ancient wisdom with modern physics to transform your running experience.Genres DVDs
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