Why a personalised running assessment beats generic running advice every time
Running seems simple — just one foot in front of the other, right? But when injuries, pain, or performance plateaus show up, it quickly becomes clear: there’s a lot more going on with your running technique than you might realise.
While it’s tempting to google “how to run better” and follow generic advice, the truth is, running well (and staying injury-free) requires a personalised approach. That’s where a professional running assessment makes all the difference.
What is a running assessment?
At our clinic, we offer running assessments designed specifically for runners of all levels. Here's what to expect:
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Treadmill Running: We get you running comfortably on a treadmill. If you’ve never run on a treadmill before we can do this outside, but it is a little more difficult to film.
Slow-Motion Video Analysis: We film your running in slow motion to pick up the small details that can’t be seen at full speed.
Detailed Review: We go through the footage with you, pointing out exactly what’s happening with your body, from head to toe.
This isn’t just about how your foot hits the ground - we assess everything: stride length, cadence, hip control, trunk positioning, arm swing, and more.
Why personalised analysis matters
Not all runners are the same - and not all running advice should be either.
Your body type, injury history, strength levels, running goals, and even your footwear can all influence your running style. Following generic instructions like “increase your cadence” or “land on your forefoot” without understanding your specific needs can make things worse in some cases.
Our assessments are about you. We spot the individual movement patterns that might be putting extra stress on your body.
Muscle deficits and technique issues
Often, we find that certain issues in your running style are a sign of underlying strength or control deficits.
When we spot a pattern in your running, we don’t guess the cause, we take you back to the rooms and test for it. We assess specific muscles to find any imbalances or weaknesses that are contributing to your technique issues. Then, we prescribe targeted exercises to correct them.
You won't walk away with a generic strength program - you’ll get a set of exercises chosen specifically for your body and your running.
Do you run differently on a treadmill?
Yes, there are some differences between treadmill and outdoor running, but they're generally minor and often negligible for most runners.
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Biomechanical differences: Studies have found that treadmill running can result in slightly higher knee flexion at foot strike and a longer ground contact time. However, these differences are typically small and not significant enough to impact the effectiveness of a running assessment.
Muscle Activation: Running outdoors requires more activation of the hamstrings and glutes due to the need to propel yourself forward. On a treadmill, the belt assists with leg turnover, which can slightly reduce the demand on these muscles and place more emphasis on the quads and hip flexors.
Environmental Factors: Outdoor running introduces variables like wind resistance and uneven terrain, which can affect running mechanics. These factors are absent on a treadmill, providing a controlled environment that can be beneficial for consistent assessments.
Why treadmill assessments are still valuable
Despite these differences, treadmill assessments remain a powerful tool for analysing running mechanics:
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Controlled environment: Treadmills offer a consistent surface and pace, eliminating external variables that could affect running form.
Detailed analysis: The ability to record and review slow-motion footage allows for a thorough examination of running mechanics, identifying subtle issues that might be missed in real-time observation.
In summary, while there are minor differences between treadmill and outdoor running, treadmill assessments provide a reliable and effective means of analysing and improving running form.
Why choose us?
We’re passionate about helping runners achieve their goals - whether that’s running your first 5km, smashing a PB, or simply staying injury-free for the long run (pun intended).
With years of experience in assessing, treating, and coaching runners, we know what to look for and how to help you improve. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter advice. We believe in individual solutions for individual runners.
Because your running technique should be as unique as you are.
Ready to Run Better?
If you’re serious about improving your running and preventing injuries, a personalised running assessment is the best place to start.
Author: Mandy Lowe - Physiotherapist
Call our team on 9583 1149 and book your assessment today!
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