Is running ok for your knees? Source: Getty Images

It’s actually a parody of Baz Luhrmann’s spoken-word Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) in which he gives a lot of great life advice. Here’s one of my favourite lines from that song: “Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.”

Runners deal with a lot of c**p: Bad drivers, dogs, uneven pavement, hecklers, and the ongoing belief that running is bad for your knees. So … is it true?

Well, last month, a long-term study with over 2500 participants conducted by Baylor University concluded that people who run have a lower incidence of osteoarthritis in their knees, regardless of age. Oh, and not only was the average age of participants almost 65, but the study also observed them for four years — that’s yet another blow to the myth that “running is bad for your knees.”

In 2013, a study from Berkeley also found that runners had half the incidence of arthritis in their knees when compared to walkers.

I’m glad we’re finally debunking the “running = knee problems” myth because it’s not the running that causes knee pain … it’s everything else.

Look, I like running. Just yesterday I went on a nice run. But as a fitness coach with some integrity (the women I talk to may disagree), I can’t in good faith tell people to “start running” just because of this research without some strong precautions.

Running is actually a light form of plyometrics called ‘bounds’ — leaping from foot to foot — at a rate of roughly 180 times per minute. Every time you land, the entire weight of your body crashes down on your lower extremities.

What’s the real effect on the knee? Source: News Limited

Unfortunately, most dudes have super tight hips, muscle imbalances, dicey running mechanics, wonky feet, cr**py shoes, and various degrees of poor posture, thus, going on an hourlong run after sitting for 12 hours could wreak havoc on your body. Maybe not in knee pain (as these studies are showing), but possibly pain elsewhere or, you know, a pulled hamstring.

When dudes want to lose a few kilos and improve their fitness, a lot of them groan, “I need to start running”. No, you need to start exercising. Then, you can run when you’re ready.

Most people are far better off starting in the gym, strengthening their lower body without putting stress on their knees, improving their muscle quality, increasing their mobility, and learning to breathe better.

Don’t run to get in shape. Get in shape to run.

Then, once you’re ready to hit the pavement, follow a few important tips to ensure that your body is in order, so that you can run well. Hint: Improve your running technique by landing on your forefoot instead of your heels to lower the stress on your joints.

And “take off that silly-ass hat.”

Anthony J. Yeung, CSCS, is a regular contributor featured in Golf Digest and Men’s Fitness and the founder of GroomBuilder, the 8-week fitness program to transform the way you look for your wedding.

For more health news go to AskMen.com.