Sprinting With Hands Straight page

[Bobert]

Why do we do this? I do this and dont know why? Aerodynamics...maybe in the mind. Maybe it has something to do with our junk dna.

[jfreaksho]

Centrifugal force - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Physics for the win!

You don't need to tense any of the muscles in your hand in order to run, but to avoid fingers flapping from the changes throughout the arm swing, people tend to point their fingers or clench their fists. My old cross-country coach always said to "Hold a potato chip, and don't break it" to get us to relax our hands when running at a moderate pace. I don't think that's really all that relevant when sprinting, though.

[Dr. Bork Bork]

I run with a loose fist and thumbs up

[Bosnic]

I was told long ago that running with flat hands was more aerodynamic... Not sure.

[Knifegill]

I run that way because that's how T1000 ran, and he was SUPER FAST. Or something...

[kap]

I don't know the reasons pro/con. But I must say it worked pretty well for Carl Lewis.

[zilog]

considering the massive difference in cross-sectional area between your hands and the rest of your body I would say the aerodynamic angle is irrelevant. Just do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Or, as above, just copy Carl Lewis or Robert Patrick because they are

[Tribal Rob]

I have not idea what I do so next time I go sprinting I'm gonna obsese about this and probably trip and smash my face into the grass.

[Picaro]

I have not idea what I do so next time I go sprinting I'm gonna obsese about this and probably trip and smash my face into the grass.

I read an article somewhere that said sprinting with your face in the grass is not recommended.

Although a smooth pendulum action, free of muscle drag, in the arms would enhance running.....its not just the legs that run.

[Wanderlust]

During a full sprint my hands are completely rigid and flat, when running at anything less than about 80-90% they are relaxed and moving around my waist. Basically at the speed my hands are moving during a full sprint I don't want them flopping around! I'd probably whiplash my wrists lol.

For running however, no sense in making a stiff hand, the whole upper body should be relaxed no need for extra blood to be diverted to extra muscles.