Don't overthink form as a beginner — just run

What to Do

Focus on consistency and enjoyment first, not biomechanical perfection. Form adjustments should be minor, gradual, and made only when there is a specific reason like pain or a performance plateau.

Why It Works

Expert consensus is clear: over-coaching form in beginners leads to overthinking, tension, and reduced enjoyment. Most form "problems" self-correct naturally as fitness improves and running volume increases. Your body is remarkably good at finding efficient movement patterns when given enough practice. The biggest gains for beginners come from simply running more, not running differently.

Tips

• The best running form is the one that keeps you running injury-free
• Minor cues are fine: relax your shoulders, unclench your fists, look ahead not down
• Save form analysis for after you've been running consistently for 6+ months
• If something hurts, that's the time to evaluate form — not before