Comments on: The Benefits of Running Backward

By: Kenny Penfold

Kenny Penfold — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:23:02 +0000

I have recently started to run backwards just to mix things up and I really feel my calves are stronger. I feel it helps too if I’m tired from the normal way of running. You do get the odd look from people thinking “what is he doing?” I then saw two young girls (seven) bundle over to me as I finished my backwards run and they were smiling at me. I took my earphones out and they said “were you the one running backwards?” I told them I was and they said “why are you doing that?” I said just for a change and as I said my goodbyes, they shouted “we think you’re really cool.” I smiled and thought if I’m cool to seven year-olds at 23, I must be doinI something right.

I’m really pleased to have come across this fantastic site and to realise I’m not the only one doing this!

By: shenea

shenea — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 00:06:04 +0000

I just tried running backwards yesterday and I can already feel a difference in my legs! My legs feel stronger and when I tried doing sprint afterwards I could go a little faster! I’m gonna keep it up! I especailly felt more tired… but hey no pain no gain right?

By: Jerry

Jerry — Tue, 03 May 2011 09:38:06 +0000

This is so funny! did you hear there is a film being made about REVERSE RUNNING???

By: Andrea G.

Andrea G. — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:18:59 +0000

I just tried this yesterday not knowing about this site and was wondering if my calves were incredibly sore from running backwards..which turns out they are! I first heard about running backwards from my sister but disregarded it, but now I feel the results of it after just one day. I will continue to incorporate this into my workout!

By: Jan Wellens

Jan Wellens — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:08:08 +0000

Haha, I found this article so funny. Defintely gonna try this!

By: Rochelle

Rochelle — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:44:10 +0000

I never would have guessed running backwards could be so rewarding. I’ve read quite a few running magazines and books and don’t recall any mention of backwards running. Maybe it will catch on here in the US, especially since many runners face injuries that leave them unable to continue [forward] running. Thanks for the insight. I’ll have to try it on the track once the weather cooperates.

By: Diane

Diane — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:09:00 +0000

Never heared of this before, but sounds intriguing. I will try this out on my treadmill, but am a little nervous about falling.

By: Sam Jongstra

Sam Jongstra — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:22:51 +0000

Love it, most definitely a great experience for any runner!
Beginners; make sure you’ve read about ‘the risks involved’, the first time you may get your coordination a bit wrong! As Anne mentioned, concentrating on a spot on the floor helps.
Thanks for the tip!

By: Davy Kestens

Davy Kestens — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:06:05 +0000

Hi Anne, thanks for your reply.
We tried it ourselves too.. It definitely feels awkward but you’ll end up using some different muscles a lot more!

By: Anne

Anne — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:27:20 +0000

I did three minutes of backward running on the treadmill yesterday. It was odd at first but I definitely got the hang of it quickly. My form stayed straight with the exception of looking down to concentrate on a spot on the floor for balance. Immediately fter the backwards run I did some walking lunges and my muscles definitely felt different! They were sore but they felt springy, like it was easier to do the lunges. I’ll definitely take your advice to try this on a track.