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How the Forward Lean Helps You Run
Perfect your Running Posture
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If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
If you have run a track session with us, then most likely at one stage or another you will have heard the cue “lean forward!”
What are we talking about, how do you action it and how will it help your running?
How Elite Distance Runners use the Forward Lean
If you watch elite runners running long distances or track events you will see a consistent feature in their technique: a pronounced forward lean. As they elegantly advance, their strides create a diagonal alignment from heel to head, with their bodies gently tilting forward.
While a slight forward lean is beneficial in running form, intentionally leaning forward can lead to issues. Changing your form should be approached cautiously, especially if you're not facing running problems.
Gradual adjustments are key, ideally alongside improved mechanics from mobility and strength training. If you don’t have all those pieces of the puzzle then you are opening a can of worms.
Common Mistakes when Implementing a Forward Lean
Simply leaning forward from the waist, a common mistake, can cause strain on the back and hamstrings and make running more challenging. Instead, focus on leaning from the ankles, maintaining a straight body line.
This is a skill and will require speed and training – making track the perfect place to drill it.
Related: Your Key to Unlocking Endurance Greatness
A crucial aspect is that forward lean is speed-dependent. During an easy run, excessive lean is unnecessary, while sprinting requires a dynamic balance to prevent falling. The forward lean demands strength in the core, hips, and feet, making it essential to build strength for sustained form during high-speed and stressful situations.
How to Naturally Develop a Forward Lean
To naturally develop a forward lean, prioritise regular fast running through strides, hill sprints, speed workouts, and racing. Running at higher speeds not only refines the mechanics but also builds strength over time. This should all be supplemented with Strength workouts. After all, a stronger runner has better resilience to injury, better coordination and better overall run form.
Final Thoughts
So rather than consciously forcing a forward lean, focus on running tall and balanced. Creating the right training environment through consistent speed, strength work, and cues from coaches is the key to developing an athletic, economical stride with a natural forward lean.
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life- Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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