The Laws of Physics in ChiRunning®
ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® combine the movement of running and walking with principles of T’ai Chi, backed by the three laws that govern the motion of material objects. They were first written down by Isaac Newton in the seventeenth century and gave rise to a general view of nature known as the clockwork universe .
The laws are:
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An object in motion tends to remain in motion.
Physics tells us that an object moving in a direction will probably continue in that direction. In ChiRunning®, this law can also be applied to how the lean in the technique engages the force of gravity allowing that motion to remove the “work”. Once the lean begins one has only to keep lifting their heels behind them and the forward motion will continue until an upright position is resumed. It also emphasizes the importance to body alignment for energy efficiency, as we are most efficient when all body parts are moving in the same direction. -
Force equals mass times acceleration.
This principle can be applied to the typical method of power running or walking, where the participant strikes the ground with an extened leg and heel strike allowing the force to travel up through the foot, knee, hip and spine repetitively, causing great stress and eventually, injuries.
A student of the ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® technique learns to cooperate with the forces of nature. -
Every action has an Equal and Opposite reaction.
The technique of ChiRunning® and ChiWalking® utilizes this law to create a natural balance within the body for more fluid and effortless movement.