Raise your legs when you run - you will burn much more energy

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 12 Jan 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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A new study has found that runners burn much more energy than previously realised if they raise their legs more.

According the researchers at Northeastern University (USA), if you swing your legs in the air when you run you will burn a great deal of energy.

Previously, experts had thought that the impact of the foot hitting the ground determined energy consumption.

Researchers have found that we use a lot of energy while the legs are off the ground.

The researchers found that we consume 26% of our limb's energy while running (standing muscles consume 74%, the remainder).

This method (using blood flow to estimate energy consumption) could help researchers reach a better understanding of which specific muscles support weight. They will also better understand how different body sizes and different running speeds affect energy use (this will provide greater knowledge for rehabilitative medicine).

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