What is Chi Running?

Chi Running is a running philosophy and a running technique, developed by an ultramarathon runner, Danny Dreyer who also is a practitioner of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. This technique is his attempt to combine these philosophies with his running. It is a somewhat controversial technique within the running and the sports biomechanics community.


As a running technique, it tend to focus more on runners moving in what is considered a more as a more natural and efficient way. The supporters,claim that the traditional approach to running as being more focused on the use of power and strength to push the runner along the ground as fast as possible, whereas Chi running should be more focused on being more efficient and flowing over the road with the use of a midfoot strike rather than the usual heel strike first technique. Supporters also claim that this technique is more biomechanically sound, but there is no research evidence to support the claim. Most of the claims for it by the supporters are not supported by any evidence. Experts do disagree over the validity of changing the running style to being a midfoot striker is being a good thing. Generally, the expert opinion is that changing a running style does increase oxygen consumption which could be considered a sign of an inefficient gait.

As a philosophy of running, it is about running in a more relaxed way and feeling 'at one with the road', much like in the spirit of Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates. This is supposed to make the running experience more of a spiritual experience rather than a hard 'slog' or a chore that has to be done.

A number of unsubstantiated and sometimes, extraordinary, claims are made for the technique. One study is claimed to suggest that there is a reduction in injury in those who practice it. But the results of this survey are only talked about on Chi Running websites and not available for scientific appraisal. Expert opinion is clearly divided on this, but there is no reason why it could not be part of any balanced running program.


More information on Chi Running is available on www.clinicalbootcamp.net/chi-running.htm and the New Balance running shoe company have released a Chi Running Shoe, watch the video.






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