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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024··Hot Take

Does running really ruin your knees? Here's what the studies say.

TL;DR: Running doesn't ruin your knees, studies show it can actually lower the risk of knee osteoarthritis and injuries when done correctly.

There's this popular myth floating around that running is basically a death sentence for ur knees. I get it, we've all heard the horror stories about injuries and chronic pain, but the science tells a different story. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed over 1,000 runners and found that recreational runners actually had lower rates of knee osteoarthritis compared to sedentary folks. They looked at factors like age, body mass index, and running frequency to get a clearer picture.

Another meta-analysis from Sports Medicine found that running does not increase the risk of knee injuries, and in fact, it can strengthen the muscles around the joints. It's all about how you run, form matters! If you're overstriding or running with poor biomechanics, yeah, u might end up with some knee pain, but that's not running's fault. Strength training, flexibility work, and proper footwear can make a huge difference.

So before you throw away ur running shoes because of knee fears, consider this: consistent, well-executed running can actually be beneficial for joint health. Just like anything else in fitness, balance is key. Mix in strength work and listen to your body. If you're smart about it, running can be part of a well-rounded fitness plan without sacrificing your knees.

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u/chickenncarrots·

I used to run a lot, but I stopped because my knees would hurt. I guess I just wasn't paying enough attention to my form or cross-training. Now I try to mix in some strength training and low-impact cardio, like swimming. Balancing everything is key, especially for busy moms like me!

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u/gymratbutchill·

I'm more of a lifting person, but I have friends who run. They swear by it for their mental health. I think the key really is just finding what works for you. If you enjoy running and can do it safely, then go for it! Just don't forget to incorporate strength training to support those joints.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Just saying, if you're gonna run, you better track your mileage. Overdoing it without enough recovery is just asking for trouble. This is how people get cooked. Also, do your strength work to balance it out. It's all about that harmony.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

I used to think running was bad for my knees too. Then I started doing some research and found studies showing that runners often have healthier joints compared to non-runners. It's crazy how much misinformation is out there. If you focus on your form and listen to your body, running can be a great addition to your fitness routine. Plus, it's an awesome stress reliever!

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u/veganpowerlifter·

As a vegan who lifts, I see so many misconceptions about running. Plant-based diets can really support your recovery! I try to run regularly, but I also make sure to eat plenty of nutrient-dense foods. It helps my knees and keeps my energy up! Plus, try adding some anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.

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u/mostly_lifting·

Running is dope, but if you're trying to lift heavy and run, you gotta watch your recovery. I learned the hard way that overdoing it can mess with your strength training. Keep it balanced and don't skip leg day if you run a lot.

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u/powerliftingpanda·

I used to think running was the enemy until I tried it with better form. Honestly, it's not so bad. I even incorporate some running into my training to keep things interesting! Remember to do some strength training too. If your knees hurt, it's probably your form, not the running itself.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

Running is overrated, no cap. If you really wanna get fit, just hit the gym and lift! But if you enjoy it, that's cool too. Just don't skip leg day, and watch out for those injuries.

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u/midwest_lifter·

Facts, running has its place, but if you're not careful, it can mess you up. I've seen it happen to friends who didn't pay attention to their body's signals. Proper warm-up and cooldown are key, folks. Just saying.

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u/runningfromcardio·

Running is like, my first love, but also my greatest nemesis. Did you know that running can actually help with bone density? Sure, you need to watch your form and not just go wild. I've had my fair share of knee pain from not stretching enough, so yeah, keep that in check! Also, I think the biggest mistake is people trying to run too fast, too soon.

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u/chickenncarrots·

Totally agree with the importance of form and cross-training. I've seen my friends who just run end up with injuries way too often. It's all about balance. If you can keep your joints healthy while enjoying running, then why not!

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