Bill Shorten’s running style mocked on social media as experts weigh in

Bill Shorten has been flanked by Cowboys great Johnathan Thurston on one of his morning runs, which have been mocked on social media. Now body language and fitness experts have their say.

Bill Shorten’s early morning runs have sparked interest on social media with many voters creating videos that mock the Labor leader pounding the pavement.

The Labor leader has been seen running with NRL Cowboys great Johnathan Thurston during the election campaign.

In one of the videos created, he has been compared to the famous video game character ‘Sonic the Hegehog’.

But it begs the question — where is Mr Shorten going wrong when putting one foot in front of the other?

According to former elite sprinter and Australian Ninja Warrior contestant Katie Williams, Mr Shorten could improve his running style with a few tweaks.

“Bill swings his arms across his body which not energy efficient, when arms swing in and across the torso almost all force is lost,” Ms Williams told News Corp.

“A simple fix for this is holding paddle pop sticks when running to focus on driving elbows back and keeping them outside the body.”

Katie Williams at Newport Beach in Sydney. Picture: Troy Snook

The fitness star - who said bad technique on the track could lead to anything from stress fractures to shin splints - added Mr Shorten needed to fix his footing.

“Bill strikes laterally and he loses speed and power. A simple trick is a focus on the big toe striking the ground,” she said.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten going for a morning run in Perth. Picture Kym Smith

But celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges sung praise for the Opposition Leader.

“All out high fives to Bill Shorten for getting out there and making his health and fitness a priority,” Ms Bridges told News Corp.

She had no qualms about his technique, but suggested taking up some other sports night serve him well.

“Given the state of politics in this country, he’d probably do well getting some boxing lessons. And then yoga meditation to cool the jets,” she said.

Both fitness champions spoke highly of running’s benefits.

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten with Former NRL Player Jonathan Thurston doing a morning run in Townsville, QLD. Picture Kym Smith

They said it can improve heart health, relieve stress, build cardio fitness and even alleviate symptoms of depression.

Body language expert Dr Louise Mahler told News Corp it is pretty poor form to criticise anyone doing exercise, dancing or singing and we should all try and be a little bit kinder.

“Yes, Bill Shorten’s run is not ergonomically sound, as his legs go back too far, his feet point out likely due to a contracting back muscles, and there is too much tension in his chest,” she said.

“Yet he is exercising, so bravo to him.”

Michelle Bridges supports the Labor leader’s take up of exercise. Picture: Justin Lloyd

In terms of its impact on the electorate, Dr Mahler said: “For those that already dislike Shorten, they will get a cheap giggle out of the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ comparisons and his running will be a metaphor for what they believe to be out-of-sync policies.

“For those that love Bill, it will reinforce their loathing of the Liberals and their below-the-belt barb.

“For those in the middle they will likely not care and simply see a man running a little oddly.”

She added: “People should remember that John Howard had a fairly odd shuffle when he ran, yet it did not prevent him from becoming Australia’s second longest serving Prime Minister, and Bill’s running style is unlikely to impact his chances of winning on May 18.”

Originally published as Bill Shorten’s running style mocked on social media as experts weigh in