Imagine finishing a long run having more energy than you started with, and heading out the next day fully recharged, without the knee pain and shin splints so prevalent in a the sport. That’s the premise behind ChiRunning a workout that fuses running with the inner focus and smooth, flowing moves of T’ai Chi to minimize impact and effort.

"You’re using Chi (life-force energy) and gravity – not muscles – to power you through your workout," says founder and nationally ranked ultramarathoner Danny Dreyer. Rather than pushing yourself with your legs, ChiRunning asks you to lean your whole body slightly forward and let gravity pull you ahead naturally. Also, to allow energy to flow freely throughout the body and maintain proper form, it’s best to align shoulders, hips, and feet. "Focus on straightening the spine, touch your pelvis, tighten the abs, and breathe deeply from the diaphragm as opposed to the chest," recommends Dreyer.

Unlike conventional running, the technique teaches you to use your core muscles and work the body’s flexible ligaments and tendons, which don’t burn as much oxygen, allowing you to run more efficiently. "This is whole-body running, not just claves and quads. All parts of the body are involved, so no part is every overworked," explains Dreyer, who says he usually "bounces off the walls" with energy after finishing one of his hard-core 50-mile races. The first ChiRunning spa workshop will be held at Miraval Life in Balance in Tucson, Arizona, August 14 – 17.