Brian Sutton
NASM-CPT, CES, PES, NASM Master Instructor
The Scope of Practice Boundary
Personal trainers observe running gait and apply corrective exercise and strength programming to address identified weaknesses. Clinical gait analysis, biomechanical diagnosis, and injury treatment are within the scope of physical therapists, sports medicine physicians, and certified running gait analysts. The personal trainer's role is screening for common patterns that respond to corrective exercise, not diagnosing pathology.
What to Observe: The Basic Running Gait Screen
A personal trainer gait screen observes the client running on a treadmill at a comfortable pace from three views: posterior (behind), lateral (side), and anterior (front). Record a video if possible—frame-by-frame review catches what the eye misses in real time.
Use this checklist to quickly spot movement breakdowns that impact performance and movement dysfunction risk.
Lateral View
- Arm swing: Arms should move forward and back, not across the body. Crossing midline suggests poor rotational control and wasted energy.
- Foot strike pattern: Heel, midfoot, or forefoot. No single pattern is universally superior; context matters.
- Forward trunk lean: Slight forward lean (5 to 10 degrees) is normal. Excessive lean may indicate weak hip extensors or anterior chain dominance.
- Knee drive: Adequate knee lift during swing phase. Limited drive often points to tight hip flexors restricting hip extension.
Posterior View
- Foot progression angle: Outward foot rotation at contact may reflect tight external rotators or weak internal rotators.
- Hip drop (Trendelenburg): Pelvis drops on the swing-side leg, indicating insufficient stance-side gluteus medius strength.
- Lateral trunk sway: Excessive side-to-side motion may signal weak hip abductors (gluteus medius).
Anterior View
- Arm crossover: Arms crossing the midline increase rotational demand and reduce efficiency.
- Knee valgus at midstance: Knee collapses inward during stance phase, often linked to weak glutes or hip abductors and possible IT band tightness.
Common Running Gait Faults and Corrective Exercise Interventions
Once you start spotting movement patterns, the next step is knowing what to do with them. Most gait faults aren’t random. They’re usually tied to strength deficits, mobility limitations, or poor control—and that’s where smart programming comes in.
Hip Drop and Lateral Trunk Sway
If the pelvis drops or the torso shifts side to side, the gluteus medius is usually the weak link. This muscle plays a major role in stabilizing the pelvis during single-leg support. Build it up with exercises like clamshells, lateral band walks, single-leg hip hinges, and Copenhagen adductions.
Knee Valgus at Midstance
When the knee collapses inward, it typically points to weak glutes and hip abductors, along with poor single-leg control. Focus on strengthening the entire hip complex while reinforcing better movement patterns. Glute bridges, controlled single-leg squats, and step-downs with good alignment are all solid options.
Overstriding
If the foot lands too far in front of the body, the runner is likely creating unnecessary braking forces with each step. A simple and effective fix is to gradually increase cadence. For most runners, working toward 170 to 180 steps per minute helps bring the foot strike closer to the center of mass. Pair with improved hip flexor mobility and glute strength to support better mechanics.
Excessive Forward Trunk Lean
A slight lean is normal, but too much usually signals that the posterior chain isn’t doing its job. Strengthening the hip extensors can help restore balance and control. Prioritize movements like deadlifts, hip thrusts, and Romanian deadlift progressions.
Integrating Gait Findings into Programming
The real value of a gait assessment shows up in how you apply it. What you see during the assessment should directly shape the runner’s program.
If a runner shows hip drop, gluteus medius work shouldn’t be occasional—it should show up consistently. If knee valgus is present, single-leg strength and control need to become a priority, not an afterthought.
This is where trainers separate themselves. Instead of guessing or defaulting generic programming, you’re building a plan based on what the runner needs. The result is more efficient training, better movement quality, and a clear, tangible reason for clients to trust your approach.
Advance Your Running Gait Screening Skills
Running gait screening is a high-value skill that sets personal trainers apart. When you can confidently identify movement breakdowns and connect them to targeted strength and corrective strategies, you’re no longer guessing—you’re solving problems that directly impact performance and movement dysfunction risk.
Elevate your ability to help clients move and perform better. Explore NASM Corrective Exercise Specialization (CES) and start advancing your expertise.
Running Gait Screening Frequently Asked Questions for Personal Trainers
Should Personal Trainers Perform Running Gait Screening?
Running gait screening allows you to identify movement issues most runners miss and immediately connect them to actionable solutions. This positions you as a specialist, not just someone who programs workouts.
What Are the Most Common Running Gait Problems?
Most runners show the same patterns—hip drop, knee valgus, overstriding, excessive trunk sway, and inefficient arm swing. Each one directly impacts performance and increases movement dysfunction risk, making them high-impact opportunities to step in with targeted coaching.
Can Strength Training Improve Running Gait?
Strength training supports most gait issues. When you target the right muscles, you improve stability, control, and efficiency with every stride. Clients feel the difference quickly, which builds trust in your programming.
What Is the Ideal Running Cadence for Most Runners?
Most runners perform best around 170 to 180 steps per minute. Small increases in cadence can reduce overstriding and improve efficiency almost immediately, giving you a simple cue that delivers fast results.
