GETTING A GRIP ON GOOD
FORM, TECHNIQUES
By Doug Thurston
THE GREAT OUTDOORS RUNNING
-- Running is a simple activity that
requires little learning. But good running form is not innate.
There are few devices available to runners to help them improve
their running form for increased efficiency and reduced injuries.
A new running grip has been developed by a
Rancho Cordova man who says it improves running form. As a
long-time runner, I feel like I have refined my form through 20
years of participation. But trying the grips for the first time
last week, I can't deny I felt a difference.
I was tracking straighter and had more
balance. When my running path moved from smooth asphalt to a
narrow, winding dirt trail, my footing improved when holding the
soft, gray grips. I would have never thought something I carried
in my hands would have such an effect the way I ran.
Stephen Tamaribuchi, inventor of the e3
grip, is used to reactions like this to his new
product. Tamaribuchi developed the e3
after two decades of research and development.
''It's the only product of its kind on the
market,'' Tamaribuchi said. ''It's based on the theory of
interactive biomechanics.''
Tamaribuchi, an expert on ergonomics and
repetitive stress injuries, said the grip keeps the fingers,
thumb, and wrist in a neutral position, resulting in better body
control and improved balance. The grip, similar in size and shape
to the handles of ski poles, help runners keep their arms closer
to their body. That aligns and stabilizes their shoulders and hips
to a more efficient position, reducing the probability of injury.
They've been compared to ortho-tics for the hands.
''Finger and hand positioning have a great
effect on the use of muscles in the lower extremities (back and
legs),'' Tamaribuchi said.
Tamaribuchi said his original inspiration
for the product came after he suffered considerable upper body
trauma following a series of sports injuries and auto accidents
more than 20 years ago.
Following his recovery, his interest in the
martial arts blossomed to accupressure and Shiatsu, finger
pressure. He has maintained a private practice as an
accupressurist. Clients have included tennis great Rod Laver and
ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev. He also worked with the Sacramento
State football team in the 1980s and with a professional snowboard
team in 1997.
It was during his work with athletic and
non-athletic clients that he noted a common problem.
''Repetitive motion injuries and many sports
injuries come from the same problem of improper alignment and
muscle use,'' Tamaribuchi said. ''You have to change the mechanics
to change the stress on the body and break the injury cycle.''
His grip resulted both from work with
athletes and corporate clients such as Apple Computer, Hewlett
Packard, and the California Department of Health Services.
Despite page after page of product
testimonials from athletes, coaches, and trainers, it has still
been hard for Tamaribuchi to get the medical and scientific
community to accept the product. Tamaribuchi says a lot of the
resistance exists because his product and the concept is so
simple.
''I didn't want to believe it at first,''
said Pat Sweeney, the owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Sacramento.
''It sounded too weird that something as simple as holding
something in your hand can make a difference. But it does. With
the grips, I run straight down the road without thinking about
it.''
Sales have been moderate in the first year,
and retail outlets are few. Most of his sales come from mail
order. The grips retail for $39.95.
''The grips, which weigh about four ounces
each, are one size fits all, as palm width varies little by body
size,'' Tamaribuchi said.
Walkers, hikers, skaters and snowboarders
have all bought the grips.
''There's a strong market for the e3
in physical therapy,'' Tamaribuchi said. ''It's not limited to a
single activity.''
Tamaribuchi is currently producing a
training program for patient ambulation with several local X-ray
and imaging centers in Northern California. His greatest market
for the product may be seniors who can use the grip not only for
fitness walking but also for better all-around mobility.
For more information on the e3
grip, phone 483-2686 or visit the web site at www.biogrip.com.
DOUG THURSTON is a Sacramento runner and
race director. He can be reached at 447-2786 or Runinfo1@aol.com
