Few people would take up tennis or golf without first taking some lessons from a pro. Most runners, however, mistakenly think that because running is a basic human function, and since we all did it as children, we do not need to be taught how to run. While it’s true that the human body has evolved to be an efficient running machine able to cover long distances with a well-honed economy of motion, our civilized life style has robbed us of the built in efficiencies that evolution provided. Our muscles have shortened and weakened, our joints have tightened, and movements have become corrupted by hours of sitting and a lack of stretching. To exploit the gifts that evolution has given us, we need to learn to run in a way that benefits energy conservation and keeps us protected from injury. The PHASE IV Gait Analysis is performed by Physical Therapists with expertise in joint function, human movement patterns, and in the myriad of ways that runners get hurt. We will video your stride frequency, knee rise, foot and leg position at foot strike, and upper body carriage to identify bio-mechanical deficiencies and correct them. We will assess whether your shoes are appropriate for your mechanics and provide you with drills to maximize your efficiency and increase your speed.

To run faster, you need to train your neurological system, as well as your muscles. Using a high-speed treadmill, athletes are fitted in a special harness and can be unweighted by a hoist to allow for high frequency leg cadence or turnover. Other drills improve balance, coordination, and running efficiency.

The purpose of the entire Periodization Training Program is to bring your power, speed, and conditioning to a peak for a given event or competition. Cycles of hard work and active recovery are orchestrated to build fitness throughout the training period; and when we reduce the workload, your fitness, power, and speed will skyrocket. This is the essence of periodization training, and it is the most neglected concept of exercise and fitness. In many sports speed is a critical requisite for success. Faster movement and times are achieved with mechanical efficiency to conserve energy, and by building power and speed. At PHASE IV your Power and Speed Training Performance Specialists will periodize your training into phases. This will build the proper foundation for a fitness pyramid that includes injury prevention, joint stability, core strength, endurance, and speed.