Fast Friday - Throwing an Elbow is Legal in Running

Forward efficiency for walking and running is as dependent on arm swing as it is on leg strength. Arm swing is reciprocal (opposite of each other) to the swing at the hip, and should center through the shoulder, not the elbow. Focus on a forward thrust of the elbow to run faster. The elbow will deviate toward, but never cross, the midline as the trunk rotates forward. Try comparing a swing from the elbow to a swing from the shoulder while standing. You should feel the displacement forward with a swing from the shoulder.