I'm a beginner at running. What am I to do with my arms? Do I swing them or let them move freely?

Question

I'm a beginner at running. What am I to do with my arms? Do I swing them or let them move freely?

Answer 1

Do NOT put your hands in fists.  Don't listen to those who did cause they are wrong.  Any running coach will say that is ridiculous that they would think that.  That's just wasted energy and you're tensing yourself.  That's the last thing you want to do when you're running because tensing=more muscle pain.  When you're running your arms should automatically swing forward and back themselves.  Keep them at a relaxed swing about shoulder high at most.  If you're going up a hill you'll need to swing your arms a bit more and pump your arms but at the same time be relaxed. Don't cross them in front of your body, it won't help you at all.  Keep your shoulders down.

If you're racing long distance, you'll have to swing and pump your arms faster but don't tense.

Answer 2

It's amazing the number of wrong answers. Let them swing naturally don't force them to do anything. If your in a correct pace you shouldn't have to think about them at all.

Answer 3

Pump your arms as you run.

Answer 4

Swing your arms. This burns more calories while you run!

Answer 5

Good running form helps. You want to keep you arms at your side swinging forward and backward. Keep your wrist about waist level. Too high and your wasting energy holding them up. Too low and it's ineffective.

Arm swing and leg stride go together. If you try running with your arms at your side not moving it's awkward.

Always stretch before and after your workouts.

Answer 6

you make your hand into a fist as if you were about to punch somebody and you pump your arms. when you push your right leg out you should pump your left arm forward and for your left leg you pump your right arm.

Answer 7

pump them for sprints, but be conservative on arm motions for distance or else you will exhaust yourself in 2 minutes

Answer 8

when your running it's important to have good form to go far and get the most out of when your running. your hands should be in fists, and you have to pump your arms and go back and fourth. Your arms should also be parallel to your legs. When your right leg is going forward, then your left arm should be going forward (opposite leg opposite arm). If your arms go far out, then your legs should go the same distance.

Answer 9

You swing your arms (but not over-enthusiastically). They should go forward and backward and NOT swing across your chest...I did that and it really wastes energy. Also, when running don't throw your elbows way back when you swing your arms. It's a horrible habbit that's hard to break