The theory of Chi Running combines certain elements of Tai Chi and applies them to achieve two main goals:

1. Be efficient in the usage of the body’s energy while running.
2. Prevent injuries

Everything we will learn today seeks to accomplish those two objectives. This is accomplished through ALIGNMENT and RELAXATION.

The energy (CHI) we use when running comes from our center, our axis (the central line that runs through the middle of our body). When the body is properly aligned, the main muscles are contracted and the other muscles are relaxed, including the leg muscles. When the body is properly aligned, its weight rests over its skeleton, ligaments and tissues; NOT over the muscles.

The center of gravity is ahead of the tread. Chi Running states that the energy we use for running comes from our center, form the pelvic muscles that we align in order to prevent the energy to spread. When we are aligned, we form an axis (the vertical line the runs through the middle of our body = the needle inside the cotton) around the one in which everything else is relaxed.  When the body is properly aligned, the main muscles are contracted and the other muscles are relaxed, including the leg muscles.