As the New Year hurtles towards us, you might be wondering about taking up a new hobby – and as the streets remain free and gyms increasingly expensive, running might appeal. We know there are countless benefits associated with running – not least for both physical and mental health – but are there any drawbacks? Beyond your friends complaining you’re posting too much on Strava, that is.
![[Close-Up of Athlete Legs During Outdoor Workout]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-2169705499.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
There’s one age-old statement that continues to plague new runners though, and that’s the perception that running too much is bad for your knees. But fear not, because if you’re looking to start pounding the pavements in 2025, you’ll rest assured knowing that this is nothing but an old wife’s tale.
![[Young woman tracking time and distance with running app on smartphone]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/GettyImages-1573820281.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘It’s a huge myth that running is bad for your knees,’ Christian Allen, Product Trainer at Runners Need previously told Metro. ‘In fact, studies show that regular running can help keep your joints lubricated and stimulates your body to build new cartilage.
‘Many runners also incorporate strength exercises into their training plans to help keep their joints and muscles strong, which can also help to protect our knees.’. Notably though, it is worth keeping an eye on your running technique, as Christian underlines that ‘while running won’t ruin your knees, running with bad form can.’.
It’s also possible to pick up an injury or two running – particularly if you jump the gun and overdo it. ‘80% of running disorders are from overuse injuries,’ Emma Condon, advanced physiotherapist at MSK Physio, previously told Metro. ‘This results from a mismatch between the resilience of the connective and supporting tissue and the running load.
