The one phenomenon of college that I have yet to grasp is that everyone seems to run—legitimately everyone— and about 70 percent of the people I see running hold their phone in their hand. It about drives me crazy. I’ve tried to spread the knowledge to my friends but have only met responses of “That can’t be real” and “I don’t notice any difference.” I am risking that I'll sound pretty pretentious saying most of this, but I'm also hoping that you’ll be able to sense that it comes with the most sincere and caring concern. Here is the proof I’ve compiled as to why you should not hold things in your hand while you run.
Hunter Hewitt, a writer for a website for runners, says that running with something in your hand “causes you to use body parts differently than you normally would” and “is a dangerous habit that can lead to poor running form and a higher risk of injury.” This may not affect you if you don’t run very often, but over a period of time “issues can arise if you're running on a regular basis.”
Balance is the most essential aspect of good running form, and when unequal weight is added, your body starts to move differently compared to when you run hands-free. “Holding something creates asymmetry,” so, without realizing, you may start to lean towards the extra weight to counterbalance it and move your weighted arm closer to your body instead of fully extending it.
Mike Hamberger, a running coach in D.C. who addresses similar problems with his runners every week, acknowledges that “in our minds it sounds very trivial” but also continues to say that “if you run with something in your hand three days a week for 30 to 60 minutes, month after month, eventually your form will be affected.”
Have I convinced you? Are you ready to change your ways? I’ll just casually leave these totally affordable options right here.
I am not ashamed to say that my running fanny pack is easily one of the greatest things I bought this year. What’s that? You want to run today and don’t have time to wait for two-day shipping? I am also a strong advocate for utilizing the sports bra—or the waistband of your shorts/pants—for more than one purpose, and have proudly rocked a third rectangular middle boob on more than one occasion. No regrets.
With everything else that is going on in the world, I would hope that your running form is not your highest priority; however, if you’re going to run to exercise and do something that is good for you, you should do it the right way. With that, I leave you now hoping you’ll take this information and run with it (haha) and go forth to pave your metaphorical trails on the sidewalks of the world. Godspeed.
