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BITESIZE | 3 Simple Tips For Pain-Free Running (and Walking!) | Helen Hall #568

Jun 26, 2025 22m 47s 10 insights
Running or walking effortlessly isn’t as easy as you might think. Often, we’re making small mistakes that impact our everyday movement and that can lead to frequent injury or pain. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 216 of the podcast with my very own movement coach, the wonderful Helen Hall.  Her clients range from elite athletes to ordinary amateurs who want to run or walk pain-free, with greater efficiency and, most importantly, with greater enjoyment. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just trying to move more, Helen’s insights are helpful for anyone. In this clip, she shares some simple changes we can all make when walking or running that could begin to transform how we move. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/216 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Correct Head Position

Ensure your head is ‘on right’ and ‘perched effortlessly’ on top of your spine, as a forward head position is the number one problem in movement, limiting motion and causing muscles to overwork. Practice finding the ‘most wobbly’ position to improve overall body movement.

2. Cultivate Body Awareness

Actively notice how your body moves, how it’s stacked, and how effortlessly it moves, as this awareness is the beginning of change and leads to improved breathing, digestion, and overall health and longevity.

3. Address Movement Inefficiencies

If you experience pain during movement (e.g., running), don’t assume the activity is inherently bad for you; instead, investigate and correct underlying structural, biomechanical, or form issues that may have gone unnoticed during less intense activities like walking.

4. Implement Brisk Walking Warm-up

Before running, walk briskly for 7-15 minutes (rule of thumb: 10 minutes) to divert blood to your working muscles, which is the most effective way to limit injury risk, enhance enjoyment, and allow you to notice your body more effectively.

5. Avoid Asymmetrical Carrying

Do not carry items like phones, water bottles, or sticks in one hand or on one side of your body during movement, as this creates asymmetry, dramatically changes movement patterns, and can lead to inefficient movement and injury.

6. Optimize Phone Carrying Position

If you must carry a phone during movement, avoid holding it in your hand; instead, attach it to your upper arm (better) or, ideally, place it in a tight pocket on your upper thigh, as this minimizes its negative impact on your movement.

7. Experiment Phone-Free Movement

Occasionally go for a walk or run without your phone to notice how your body feels and moves without the asymmetrical weight, and observe if your hand or arm retains any imprinted inefficient movements.

8. Connect Action, Thought, Feeling

When performing a movement, pay attention to the action, the thought behind it, and the physical feeling, connecting these elements to understand and refine your movement patterns for greater fluidity and elegance.

9. Be Aware of Watch Placement

Recognize that wearing a watch and frequently looking at it can lead to inefficient motor patterns, such as running with one elbow cocked out, similar to the effects of carrying a phone.

10. Daily Gut Health Support

Consider incorporating a daily health drink like AG1 to support digestion and enrich your gut microbiome by increasing beneficial bacteria, which can impact overall well-being.