CLINIC
Why strong and flexible posterior chain muscles are so crucial to good posture, running well and staying injury free
YOUR EXPERT
Jenny Blizard is a registered physiotherapist (blizardphysiotherapy.co.uk) with a background in international triathlon and athletics, speaking here on behalf of Simplyhealth, title partner of the Simplyhealth Great Run Series.
The gluteal and hamstring muscle group, which are basically your buttocks and thigh muscles to the rear, together are known as the posterior chain. They are probably the most important set of muscles you need to ensure you function correctly, are strong and fairly mobile, if you want to improve your running form, run faster and remain injury free.
Why is it important?
Firstly, the posterior chain helps ensure that the foot at ground contact is positioned correctly underneath the body. At faster speeds this becomes more important. One factor that causes of over-striding is weakness in the hamstrings. That in turn contributes to increased stress being transferred up the lower limbs and lower back.