Testimonials

The video Running analysis wasn’t just a movie of my running Running; it was part of a comprehensive approach which included shoe wear pattern and foot analysis, as well as a muscle and strength assessment.

I was surprised at some of the running inefficiencies that the video revealed. Sure these inefficiencies were ‘little’ issues, but over a marathon distance little things add up.

Based on the video analysis Amy and Robyn were able to design stretching and strengthening exercises to help me create more awareness of my core.

Ted Wong

Calgary

After running track and field, racing in triathlons and ultra marathons, and being a sponsored telemark skier for years, I finally had a stride assessment done at Stride Evolutions. 

Knee and back issues have been flaring-up enough that I've had to significantly drop my mileage but seeing a video analysis of my stride and having some professional feedback on what I can do to improve it has been invaluable. Within a few weeks I have already noticed that the suggested exercises to strengthen and balance my Running have improved my running and skiing performance.

Paul Karchut

Marathoner/Ultra-marathoner

Telemark skier

Outdoor enthusiast

I am a 16-year-old female Track and Cross Country runner. Running has been a passion of mine for many years. My desire to improve as a runner had led me to Amy Barnett at Stride Evolutions. I was amazed by the expertise and technology Amy used during my stride analysis and follow up visits. Not only did Amy identify the areas of concern but also Amy and Robyn (the exercise physiologist) gave me the exercises and skills needed in order to correct those bad running habits. Seeing myself run on the video the first day of my assessment and then seeing the improvement in the follow up videos was amazing. Correcting a runner’s stride can make for a more efficient, stronger, faster and injury free runner. I look forward to many years of running.   

Thank you Amy and Robyn!

Ciara Kary

Track/Cross Country/Road Racer

After having being diagnosed as having anterior femoral glide syndrome, my chiropractor referred me to Stride Evolutions for a Running analysis, in order to find out how I was running and what I could do to improve. 

I met Amy Barnett in January of 2007.  She was extremely professional and friendly from the very first time I walked through her door.  She was thorough during the analysis and informative.  After getting me running/walking on the treadmill and getting me to do some different stretches, she sat down with me to give me a general idea of what problems I had.  During the follow-up appointment Amy was very optimistic.  Despite the fact that I had quite a few bio-mechanical issues, when it came to my running, she informed me that I can definitely improve.  We watched my video together and she showed me what I was doing wrong.  We went over exercises that I could go over on a daily basis in order to better my running.  When I left the follow-up consultation I did not go home empty handed.  Amy provided me with a folder with a nine page overview of my analysis, a handout on important core exercises, a handout on flexibility exercises, and a copy of the video Running analysis.

Since my analysis I have noticed a big improvement with my running.  Thanks to Amy I focus more on proper technique and do more stretching.  I highly recommend Stride Evolutions.  With Amy’s background in bio-mechanics and her running background I can’t imagine anyone that would do a better job.

Thanks for all your help,

Susan
Calgary

Ever since the dreaded IT Band injury I’ve been paranoid about my biomechanics. Through the course of my treatment for the injury I’ve received a number of different opinions from a number of different sources on the cause of and thus solution to my difficulties. The problem was that the causes and solutions they weren’t necessarily consistent.

To get a true understanding of my biomechanics, I decided to call in the big guns and get a full stride analysis at Stride Evolutions. Running Analysis Specialist Amy and Chiropractor Jeff did a fantastic job of identifying my strengths and picking apart my weaknesses. Though the experience was somewhat hard on the ego (I have a lot of issues) it was great to get some video-backed recommendations on what I should be doing - the camera doesn’t lie.

A full laundry list of my issues (some more serious than others) includes:

    - excessive and prolonged ankle eversion
    - right foot toeing out while walking
    - medial heel whip during walking
    - excessive internal rotation of thigh at push-off
   - excessive adduction and internal rotation of thigh during terminal swing
    - cross-over at strike
    - excessive forward lean at high speeds
    - over striding at high speeds
    - asymmetrical arm swing
                                                                                                         - less time spent on right leg

 

Luckily most of the issues are related to the same problems and can be addressed by doing seven stretches daily and four strengthening exercises three times a week. If it keeps me healthy and maybe even makes me faster it is definitely worth the extra 15-20 minutes a day!

Chris Hooper

Ironman Canada 52nd place overall finisher (9:56:40)

Vancouver International Marathon 21st place overall finisher (2:46:06)

Amy Barnett was on Breakfast Television with her Running analysis system – with me as the guinea pig.  The response from the segment was excellent.  Not because or audience saw me in shorts, but because Amy made it clear that running is like any other sport – it takes good technique, good practice and discipline.  Running faster and more comfortably is possible – and she showed us how. She was even able to recommend which shoe would make a difference. If I don’t win the Boston Marathon by next year – it won’t be her fault.  Probably my shorts

Dave Kelly

Breakfast Television - City TV Calgary

Marathoner

We received an e-mail from our MSB representative asking if we would be interested in the Video Running Analysis.  I have been coaching minor soccer for several years and thought that my son would benefit from such a program.  He has been playing minor soccer for 5 years on a Competitive A program and his running ability (speed) and mobility were falling behind his teammates.

Amy was very professional when doing her analysis and felt that Tyler would benefit from seeing the chiropractor prior to commencing with the exercise program. The analysis indicated that there were problems with our son’s hips.  We were very surprised that the program involved Dr. Greg Uchacz, who is a well respected chiropractor in the athletic community.

I believe my son was one of the youngest participants in this program and Amy put him at ease and he enjoyed working with her.  Because of our experience, I recommended the program to several other coaches and their responses were very positive.  We know of six other children who have met with Amy and Dr. Uchacz and their coaches have noticed improvements after their first visit.

I did not tell my assistant coaches that we had enrolled Tyler, but they commented on the difference in his strength, power and even his posture.  Not only did his running speed increase, but he also has a more powerful shot.

We will continue to recommend the Video Running Analysis program to our soccer community.

Dennis Schofield

Coach - MSB Soccer Club

I was fortunate to participate in a Running analysis session with Amy Barnett at Stride Evolutions.  She was able to point out specific weaknesses in my strength and flexibility that were affecting my efficiency as a runner.  Amy provided me with a detailed program of exercises and stretches that was easy to follow and provided quick results. 

I noticed an increase in strength, improved efficiency, and also enjoyed having more direction in my training.  I felt confident pushing myself knowing I was protecting myself in terms of injury prevention.  I had a great spring season this year, completing a 10km race as well as my first triathlon.

Laura Oh

Triathlete

I started running a little over two years ago, and within 7 months, developed the IT band issues.  I also have right hip discomfort, and my right knee turns slightly inward.  I worked thru the first bout of IT issues, started running again, and within a few months, developed it again.  I really wanted to run the Policeman's Half Marathon, and missed it the prior year due to the IT issues - which was disheartening and frustrating. 

My friend told me about Amy Barnett and said I needed to go see her, in which I did.  Amy did a thorough review of my biomechanics, a video analysis of me running on the treadmill from all angles, and looked at my runners for wear and tear.  Amy and Jeff did a stress and strength test and figured out where my muscular weaknesses were and what was causing the IT and hip issues.  I came back a few days later, and Amy had analyzed my video and her notes, and described what was causing my discomfort.  She gave me daily stretching exercises and a three day a week strengthening exercise program.  She also gave me some running form techniques in which I practiced on the treadmill while she watched and guided me.  I noticed a difference within a few weeks that my hip pain was gone and within 8 weeks, ran the Policeman's Half Marathon!  Thanks Amy!

As an athlete and coach I find the Running analysis to be very informative and useful for overcoming injuries. Amy's analysis provided me with exact information and a great visual as to how my Running has adapted to compensate for specific weaknesses. Her detailed report and exercise provided a plan for how to overcome these problems and lead to a long term solution. Anyone with a chronic problem needs this information to see the whole picture. With the information from this Running analysis a plan can be created that will bring about muscular changes required for your Running to improve. It is specific to the individual and tailored to them. This detailed analysis is highly personalized and impactful as it "It's all about YOU!"
 

Janice McCaffrey
Head Coach -Adrenaline Rush Athletics
3 Time Olympic Race walker,
Marathoner & Triathlete

I was fortunate to "win" a Running analysis from Amy Barnett at Stride Evolutions, last July, 2008, when my name was drawn at the Calgary Marathon Expo.

Amy gave me her undivided attention and I was very pleased to see myself in a video that she made of me running on a treadmill, in her office.  A wall of vertical lines are filmed behind the runner and this enables the runner to see posture, Running, movement patterns, etc.   I also ran with my old shoes and with a new pair of shoes that I was considering switching to.  Amy gave me great advice, suggestions, tips, and a detailed analysis of my running style, where to make changes, how to improve (mainly my posture.) She also provided me with a written analysis along with an illustrated list of exercises for stretching as well as strengthening, specifically for me.

I was given two appointments, the first for viewing, filming, demonstrating etc, and the second where Amy presented me with a DVD as well as a written program (all specifically for me.)
AS well, I had the opportunity for  a short, but excellent chiropractic session, which I appreciated.
 
In conclusion, I was very happy with my time spent with Amy at Stride Evolutions.
I highly recommend this analysis to anyone who is running, as it was very helpful for me.
I felt very lucky to have been given the opportunity to partake in this program.
Thank you Amy!

Carole Bondaroff
Boston Qualifier and Participant

I have been running short distances for 30 years. In 2004, I started running long distances and raced a couple of half marathons. With an onset of many injuries, my running took a downfall.

After a full body assessment by the teamwork of Dr. Greg Uchacz and Amy Barnett (both highly respected and recommended), they were able to determine how each of the major muscles and joints were functioning; they looked closely at my foot type and footwear and then proceeded with a Video Running Analysis. After reviewing my running video, breaking apart my strengths and weaknesses, Amy came up with a full plan of attack specific to my needs.

After following the flexibility, and strength training program provided by Amy, my passion for running has increased to no end. With the discipline and commitment to these exercises, I have become a stronger and a more efficient (pain free!) runner. Thank you Amy and Dr. Uchacz!
 

I recently visited Stride Evolutions for a Running Analysis with Amy Barnett.  The assessment with their Chiropractor was very thorough and helped to reinforce the need for me to make changes.  Apparently I am not the strong, flexible runner I thought I was. 

Amy set me up on the Treadmill and waited patiently as I became more comfortable before increasing the speed.  The entire session was videotaped while Amy pointed out some obvious Running issues. 

At the follow up session; Amy reviewed the video and clearly identified areas that needed attention.  Seeing the videotape was a powerful tool to help me understand what I was doing to cause myself pain and discomfort through my long runs.  Amy worked through a series of exercises both for flexibility and strengthening that were specifically designed for me, to correct and aid my running stride. 

As I practiced the suggestions that Amy provided I have noticed a marked improvement in my running ability.  Who knew that running pain free could be so much fun?

I can strongly recommend to any runner or walker to have a stride analysis done with Amy Barnett if they want to maximize their running/walking experience.

Fran Wilson 

Marathoner

 The '93 Calgary Renegades peewee fastpitch team enlisted the expertise of Amy Barnett in November 2006.  It was an extremely successful initiative.

Amy videotaped each of the players and provided a breakdown for each of the biomechanics of their stride.  More importantly, she explained to each player individually the long term implications if these deficiencies in their stride were not addressed.  She reinforced the need to concentrate on core strengthening at this age (13 and 14) and developed a routine that we were able to incorporate into our practices, and a routine that we required the players to do at home.  Not all of the players did it, and those who were compliant with the routine showed us over the season that they were faster, fitter and overall better athletes than they were at the beginning.

Amy explained to the players as well the reason for proper stretching techniques.  She did, and does this, with a boundless energy and enthusiasm that is infectious.  Her interest in our team went above and beyond the parameters of her program.  Our decision to take advantage of Amy's knowledge and experience, not to mention her enthusiasm, is one that coaches should consider very seriously if they want to teach their players some basic life skills, and enhance their athleticism at the same time.

Bob Taylor-Vaisey,
Head Coach, '93 Calgary Renegades,
Alberta provincial peewee 'A' fastpitch champions.

As a recreational runner, I've often run through pain and discomfort with the belief that in time I would get used to it. Amy's program and support, especially the Running analysis and follow up session, allowed me to understand why I was having problems and injuries while running and training. Amy's analysis and training program helped me to change my stride and concentrate on proper running form. I now am able to run pain free, increase my speed, and feel confident in training for future races. I appreciated Amy's experience, knowledge and support in assisting me to be able to run better and more efficiently. I would recommend her program to anyone looking to enjoy their running!

Evan J. Strong  

I started back into running this year and after hearing Amy Barnett present at a few Running Room pre-class discussions I phoned her up at Stride Evolutions and booked an appointment with her for a Running and Stride Analysis.  I didn’t have any real serious injury issues I just wanted to know what she could do for me.  Well, after an hour long assessment I returned the next day for my program.  Amy analyzed by running stride and Running and not only gave me stretching exercises to work on but also strengthening exercises specific to me.  We all run different with different strengths and different weaknesses.  I think all runners should have this done.  Not only do I think it prevents injury but I think it will make you stronger and a more efficient runner. 

Thank you Stride Evolutions for offering such a unique program.

Cheers to many miles of running!

 June Tetz

"Running analysis for me was all about finding the root cause of a recurring shin splints, and begin to treat the problem instead of the symptoms, as I have done for a number of years.  Working with other members of the clinic we were able to not only identify the problem through the Running analysis, but also come up with a comprehensive plan for corrective actions on my Running.  It has made a significant improvement in reducing the severity of my injury, allowing me to train with significantly reduced pain through the triathlon season."

Peter Keiley

Ironman athlete

"I was introduced to Amy Barnett and Stride Evolutions through friends at the Running Room. The gate analysis took about an hour and a half to complete on the initial visit and I was impressed as to the lengths Amy went to analyse my condition and the corrective actions she suggested. I have already noticed an improvement".

Stephen Blackmur