Success Stories
Running on Air: Getting Fit the Chi Way
I was a traditional runner most of my adult life, but eventually I wore out my ankles from poor posture and the punishment of daily runs in New York City's Central Park. I should have known better. I ignored the throbbing in my right ankle figuring the pain was another sign of aging. After a few months, I could hardly walk in running shoes. Forget about the rest of the shoe closet.My husband, Larry, looked grim when he learned that I was going to need a tendon replacement, an Achilles heel lengthening and a bone graft. Opting for denial, I decided that I'd be good as new in a few weeks and back in the park in no time. My wonderful orthopedic surgeon was less optimistic. “If you go back to running two things are going to happen: Your left ankle is going to collapse and your right ankle is going to collapse again.” Even on soft surfaces, running creates stress on the feet and knees. By the time we hit middle age, most athletes have increasing problems with joints, muscles or bones. ”The body wasn't made to last forever,” says New York City internist Peter Charap, “It has a limited warranty.” So what are we die-hard jocks supposed to do when the warranty begins to run out?
New York City fitness trainer, Joel Matalon, has been slowly converting athletes of all strengths to ChiRunning. A triathlete, Joel studied Chi principles following knee surgery. He learned from the master, Danny Dreyer, and has introduced the form to many in the New York City area.
On a beautiful spring morning, Joel and I met at the track in a local park. We walked around the track a few times and he began to adjust the alignment of my running posture: Upper body leaning forward slightly, abs tight, legs
relaxed, feet hip-width and parallel. "Pull your belly button tight. Relax your lower body. Keep your ankles soft," he instructed. "And breeathe!"
Larry was not at all pleased when I came home from my first chi lesson. "Running is running," he said darkly, "Can't you take leisurely walks instead? I don't want you to hurt yourself." I had a feeling that the technique was going to work, but I promised him I would stop immediately if I had so much as a twinge of discomfort. (To date, I haven't.) Here I am, two years after my surgery, running five miles effortlessly and painlessly. No gimmicks, no smoke and mirrors.
In fact, after jogging five miles, I can put in a full workday and take several additional walks with my dog. I've never felt better. Next month, I'll be running my first 10K in more than two years-and with my husband's blessing.
Click here for the ChiRunning™ Newsletter featuring Joel
Hear Joel on Shar Speaks radio program
For further inquiries, contact Joel (917) 860-1450
© 2008, ChiDude. All rights reserved.
Events
World ChiRunning™ /ChiWalking™Season Completed November 21, 2010.
Mark YOUR CALENDARS
March 21, 2011
1st day of World ChiRunning™ /ChiWalking™Season 2011!
Chi STRONG™
ChiRunning™ plus TRX
10 Sessions: Wednesdays
Dates: 1/12, 1/19. 1/26. 2/2, 2/9. 2/16. 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16
Time: 7:15pm-8:15pm
Location: Personal Best Fitness Studio
334 E 79 Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues
on NYC's Upper East Side
(short walk from the 6 train)
Price:
$250 if registered by
12/31/10
Only 2 seats remaining
$350 if registered after 1/1/11
This class is limited to 6 participants
Available for
Semi-Private Sessions
Workshops for groups, teams and corporations both large/small
Please call Joel with questions
(917) 860-1450
10% of ALL JoeFitnessWorld, Inc , income goes to various non-profits, under the Little Joe Fitness UCAN 'umbrella':
CTKidsHelpingKids.org
Play4LifeOnline.org
TriUnify.com
