Chi Walking

In addition to Chi Running, Danny and his wife Katherine Dreyer also developed Chi Walking.  The principles of Chi Walking are used in teaching Chi Running.  When Chi Walking, hours of pain free, energy efficient walking becomes possible for anyone!

Some of the fundamental differences between Chi Walking and Conventional Walking are as follows:

  • With conventional walking, the outstretched leg is straight and the heel is the first to hit the ground – heel striking!  With Chi Walking, the leading leg has a soft bent knee and the foot lands in a full-foot strike, using the strongest part of the foot to withstand any impact.
  • With conventional walking, the body usually leans back, and an individual leads with the hips in front of the body.  With Chi Walking, the heart leads the way, in more ways than one! The body is in a slight lean from the ankles.
  • With conventional walking, strides are long and with Chi Walking, strides are short.  To feel Chi Walking form, stand up right now and walk backwards!
  • Chi Walking encourages a pelvic rotation – this allows the bones, ligaments and tendons to hold the body and propel, as opposed to muscles.
  • There are other nuances to Chi Walking – check out www.ChiWalking.com or email SoulRunner@Outlook.com to ask about a class or individual coaching.

Testimonials

Maryann Roefaro is my mother.  A couple of years ago, I was not an avid runner, but when I heard my mom speaking the chi-running language, I'll admit, I was intrigued. Most of the time, I only jogged because I didn't want to mess anything up so to speak. I was apprehensive since I didn't really know much about running in general. When we started to run together, she kinda drove me nuts!  It would stress me out having her constantly respond to my running technique and remind me of the form focuses. 

After awhile, though, I began to see how Chi Running was improving my running form, speed and enthusiasm.  Now she is often the voice in my head when I run, “Check in with your abs – lift your crown to the sky – don’t bend at the waist – find that sweet spot when you lean – feel the tripod at the bottom of your feet – can you feel the pelvic rotation – keep that upper body going straight ahead - lift those ankles .. lift .. lift .. lift!” I’ve grown to love Chi Running and now I love when my mom and I run together. Yes – she’s often the voice in my head, but then again, she is my mom and I love her!

Angela