As a runner, you understand the importance of proper biomechanics when it comes to running injury-free and often faster. But what does it mean when someone says you’re underpronating?
Pronation is a normal part of any foot landing. But when we start to see excessive motion, we call that overpronating or underpronation.
We’ll discuss what underpronation is, how to tell if you’re experiencing it, and how to correct it. Additionally, we’ll touch on everything you need to know about pronation in general because it’s not uncommon for your foot strike to change over time or with different shoes.
What is Pronation?
Pronation is a natural motion of the foot that occurs when running or walking and occurs during foot landing. It’s a normal and necessary part of running, but when too much or too little pronation occurs it can lead to inefficient movement and injury. Pronation helps to absorb shock, distribute weight evenly throughout the foot, and help stabilize the body while running.
There are three main types of pronation: either it’s neutral, it’s too much, or it’s too little. Let’s look at each of these and lay out the terms you’ve most often read or heard about in the running community:
1. Neutral Pronation
Neutral pronation occurs when your foot naturally…