ChiRunning Vs. Power Running
Power Running is the name we have given to the type of running that predominantly uses leg strength as the means of moving forward. With the exception of the Kenyans, most people are Power Running. In ChiRunning you use your core muscles along with gravity to move you forward, while relaxing your peripheral muscles to create high efficiency. And, of course, you use your Chi.
Here is a comparison between ChiRunning and Power Running
| ChiRunning |
Power Running |
| Low injury rate |
High injury rate |
| Based on core muscle strength |
Based on peripheral (arm and leg) muscle strength |
| Based on learning to relax muscles instead of using them |
Based on strength training |
| Bio-mechanics supported by the laws of physics, not the laws of strength |
The only bio-mechanics taught are those that support high muscle-usage |
| Requires less fuel |
Requires more fuel |
| Requires less recovery |
Requires more recovery time between workouts |
| Requires use of ligaments and tendons instead of muscles |
The body’s ability to produce muscle cells diminishes with age |
| Creates less impact on the body |
High impact |
| Muscle cells are not broken down during training |
Muscle cells are broken down during training in order to be rebuilt as larger muscles |
| Looser joints have less injury potential |
Joints are vulnerable to impact |
| Less is more |
Bigger is better |
| Process oriented |
Goal oriented |
| No pain, no pain |
No pain, no gain |
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