I've noticed that I spend far too much time at the PC, and have started jogging in-between annos. I noticed that, apart from the usual fatigue, my biceps were a little tired.
This, I reasoned, was because I am holding my arms at a bent angle, and caused some kind of energy expenditure.

I experimented with different ways to hold my arms, and found that I could run quite easily if I held my hands to my shoulders, and moved my elbows to balance, apart from the fact that it was more difficult to hold my arms at such an angle.

So, I think that some kind of elasticated link between shoulder and wrist could take the weight of the arms, and save energy.
-- Ling, Feb 01 2006

US patent 4,337,938 http://patft.uspto....&Query=PN%2F4337938
like this? :"A runner's aid increases the endurance of a runner by supporting the weight of his arms as he runs." [xaviergisz, Feb 01 2006]

[xaviergisz], like that, except my one's a different colour.
-- Ling, Feb 01 2006


I'm fascinated by devices that allow you to run faster or more efficiently (pictures wheeled frame with elastic person supports, allowing you to take huge moonwalking strides) - they won't beat a bicycle, say, but are cool and cyborgish. But saving energy while exercising? So you don't accidentally get fit or something?
-- spidermother, Feb 01 2006


I've never before noticed that people wearing slings (either singly or doubly) or straitjackets for that matter are better marathoners.
-- jurist, Feb 01 2006


Watching the 2004 Olympics, I remember a Chinese marathon runner who didn't move his arms at all.

It was like that Seinfeld episode.
-- Cuit_au_Four, Sep 24 2006



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