What Causes Runner’s Knee? Insights from a Personal Trainer in London
What Causes Runner’s Knee? Expert Insight from London Personal Trainer Scott Bryant
Runner’s knee isn’t just for marathoners. It’s often caused by muscle imbalances, poor biomechanics, tight quads, or weak glutes—and yes, even bad posture. As a top personal trainer in London, Scott Bryant specializes in identifying the root cause and correcting it through targeted exercises, mobility work, and holistic movement coaching. Stop chasing pain—start correcting it
What Causes Runner’s Knee?
The root causes usually include:
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Muscle imbalances (weak glutes or quads = bad news for knees)
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Overtraining or sudden mileage increases
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Tight hamstrings or IT band
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Worn-out running shoes (Yes, those “vintage” runners from 2019 are probably toast)
Jonne Tanskanen2025-05-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Superbly insightful and inspiring personality, very grateful for Scott’s openness in sharing his vast knowledge and expertise. Would highly recommend Scott’s services for anybody who is serious about improving their health and vitality.Nisha Srivastava2025-04-10Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. "My partner bought Scotts book for me. A little gem of a treasure that can fit in any woman's handbag. Some key information especially for women, menopause and training. Scott is truly passionate about what he does and I can see form his clients testimonials that his training and coaching definitely works. "Yalçın Aksu2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have experienced a real transformation with Scott. His technical approaches, combined with great performance training and targeted posture correction, have relieved my chronic back pain. Personalized sessions and expert guidance provide guaranteed solutions. Highly recommended to anyone looking to improve their fitness in a great environment!P L2025-03-03Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. River of knowledge this guy has, within the first 15 mins of talking to Scott he was able to ascertain my back pain along with liftsyle challenges. Having spent thousands of pounds for the last 27 years he was already treating me and advising. A Genuine practitioner who purely wants people to get back to better health. Got my back to peak health.Samuel Cricelli2024-09-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott has been very kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to chat with me about the CHEK system and ways to improve my business. I’m very thankful for his advice.Prabdeep Panesar2024-08-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott Bryant is a kind and genuine holistic health practitioner and nutritional coach. He has extensive education, training and experience in the fields of holistic lifestyle coaching, nutritional coaching, and truly health improving exercise, as opposed to the more conventional personal trainers and nutritionists who follow a fragmented approach which is not fully holistic. I completed an initial Skype consultation with Scott which lasted for over 2 hours and during this time Scott was able to give me some simple foundational recommendations and suggestions which I could begin implementing into my life straight away, in order to improve my health and reduce the level of stress in my life. For anyone who is genuinely and truly interested in improving their health, fitness and wellbeing, I recommend that you complete an initial consultation with Scott because he is very thorough, methodical, and follows a truly holistic approach to healthcare and wellbeing. Essentially, Scott will be able to help you to identify the areas of your diet, lifestyle and fitness regime which needs to be addressed and potentially changed so that you can start experiencing true health. Most importantly, Scott follows the CHEK approach to health coaching which means that he will show you how to get healthy and fit, and stay healthy for the long term, rather than focusing only on short term “ quick fixes” which usually do not create any sustained improvements and can often lead to additional health challenges in the future. Thank you Scott for the time and recommendations which you gave to me. I continue to implement them on a daily and weekly basis and they continue to improve my health each week.Helen Townsend2024-07-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have known Scott since school thank you for help with the crystal blowing into the blowing made me feel a bit lighter but will continue useing that technique once again thanks xxDebbie Miller2024-07-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott has been my coach for 18 months now and it has been a life changing experience. One that has changed me from a path of eating the wrong type of food, taking the wrong type of exercise and leading a stressful life that all made my body toxic: to one that has brought me to a place of optimal health and vitality. The changes that have occurred to my life have brought me to a place where I feel contentment and happiness and it is because of Scott’s support that I am here. Scott initially helped me with the support and guidance to get me through the initial stages of getting to know metabolic typing, following the six foundation principles and directing me in the right direction with exercise. There are particular methods used by CHEK professionals that have the most marvellous effect on body and mind. Scott guided me through the experience and showed me how to do this. The therapeutic relationship that occurs between client and coach is one that comes to a place of understanding and empathy. This was certainly the situation with Scott and he has the ability to transcend that of the everyday personal trainer in a way that shows his high level expertise and awareness as a Master CHEK Practitioner. As a Metabolic Typing Advisor Scott took me through the process of assessing my needs in relation to healing my gut by arranging specimen to be sent , analysis of results and ordering the correct supplements to help with this. He also helped me analyse my food intolerances. This process takes time and I continue to have consultations with Scott in order that the process continues. I have adrenal fatigue and it takes time to recover from this. Depression has been a considerable issue with me -which goes hand in hand with the adrenal fatigue. Thanks to Scott’s help in finding more deep rooted reasons for my depression and by using methods of dealing with, it has been addressed in ways conventional medicine has never been able to. The improvement so far has been considerable and I feel the difference has made my life so much more enjoyable. I was guided by Scott through different cleanses to detoxify my body. These cleanses have resulted in me feeling amazing and I realise that the commitment I have made through balancing my body chemistry with metabolic typing had to precede these cleanses – thanks to Scott’s help. It was all a step change process and you very often have to be patient to get there. There is no quick fix, cookie- cutter approaches to how Scott works and you have to make the commitment to do it this way. This is far more effective than the tablet popping, behaviour controlling methods endorsed by conventional medicine. Scott’s Shamanic background has helped me deal with the blockages that occur within my body and mind – particularly due to past trauma. He has used methods that have helped considerably so far and I will continue to see Scott for the purpose of getting through the blockages that remain trapped in my body. I have every faith that Scott can help me with this. My journey continues in the knowledge that Scott’s methods will work and I will achieve the dreams in life that I wasn’t by having and continuing to have a healthy, happy productive life. Thank you Scott Debbie Miller 1st August 2016Peter Pirrie2024-07-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve known Scott for over 20 years and he has really helped me with my weight loss and muscle strength. Myself and partner has lost weight through Scott and he is amazing. We’ve lost 3 stone each. He’s reliable, trustworthy and very good at what he does and knows the knowledge too. My confidence was really bad, but since seeing Scott it really has give me a boost.Michelle Neisler2024-07-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Scott is by far one of the best personal trainers I know. He takes an individualised approach to each client; mind, body and spirit. Scott creates a customised program for each individual, both in person or online, which creates great energy for fast progress. He also has a vast knowledge of nutrition, which so many trainers lack these days. I highly recommend Scott to anyone looking to make positive changes in their health, fitness and life!
♂️ How to Prevent and Fix It
Here’s where the magic happens—and where a great personal trainer can seriously make a difference.
✅ 1. Strength Training
Focus on glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core. Think:
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lateral ball row
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Hip extensions
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Single-leg squats
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Wall angels
- Bent over row
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(they look weird, but they work)
✅ 2. Foam Rolling & Stretching
Target the IT band, quads, and calves. Roll like you’re kneading out last year’s stress.
✅ 3. Improve Your Running Form
A small tweak in posture or stride can relieve huge pressure from your knees. A running coach or biomechanical assessment can be a game-changer.
✅ 4. Shoe Check
Make sure you’re in the right type of running shoes for your gait—and that they’re not past their expiry date (typically 300–500 miles).
✅ 5. Rest and Modify
Back off the intensity or switch to low-impact workouts like swimming or cycling until symptoms improve.
When to Call in a Pro
If knee pain persists even after rest and rehab, it’s time to consult a professional—ideally someone who understands how biomechanics, strength, and running technique all fit together. (Hint: that’s where someone like me comes in!)
Final Thoughts
Runner’s Knee is annoying—but it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. With the right mix of smart training, strength work, and a little TLC, your knees can carry you comfortably through your next race—or even just a pain-free jog in the park.
Ready to run pain-free again? Let’s talk about a personalised program to bulletproof those knees and keep you moving strong.
What is a CHEK Practitioner?
The CHEK Institute (Corrective Holistic Exercise Kinesiology) trains practitioners in a cutting-edge, holistic approach to health, movement, and performance. CHEK Practitioners are trained to assess and correct:
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Muscle imbalances and posture
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Core dysfunction and pain
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Stress and lifestyle factors
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Nutrition and sleep habits
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Mind-body connection
Think of it as personal training meets health coaching meets post-rehab therapy—with science and soul.
✅ 7 Ways a CHEK Personal Trainer Can Help You
1. Fix Chronic Pain at the Root
Got back pain, shoulder tension, or knee issues? A CHEK trainer doesn’t just mask the pain—they assess your posture, movement patterns, and core function to find the true cause and build a custom plan to correct it.
2. Customised Fitness for YOUR Body
Forget “one-size-fits-none” workouts. CHEK trainers design programs based on your biomechanics, lifestyle, stress load, goals, and even gut health.
“No two clients get the same workout—because no two bodies need the same solution.”
3. Improve Posture and Movement Efficiency
Whether you’re an athlete, desk jockey, or busy parent, improving your posture and movement helps reduce injury, boost energy, and move with ease.
4. Build Real Core Strength
We’re not talking six-pack crunches. We’re talking about functional core training that supports your spine, improves balance, and powers up everything from lifting to running.
5. Holistic Lifestyle Coaching
CHEK Practitioners help you optimise:
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Nutrition (based on metabolic typing)
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Sleep cycles and circadian rhythms
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Hydration and digestion
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Stress management techniques
Because no workout can out-train a stressed, underfed, and under-rested body.
6. Rehabilitation After Injury
Recovering from injury or surgery? A CHEK trainer can guide you through intelligent, corrective movement strategies to safely rebuild strength and function.
7. Long-Term Results Without Burnout
CHEK training is about sustainability, not just short-term sweat. Clients build strength, energy, and resilience for life—not just for summer.
Who Should Work With a CHEK Personal Trainer?
This approach is ideal if you:
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Struggle with pain or recurring injuries
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Want a smarter, more holistic approach to fitness
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Are managing a health condition (thyroid, adrenal fatigue, gut issues, etc.)
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Feel “burned out” by traditional training
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Want to feel strong, functional, and energised—not just lean
Looking for a CHEK Practitioner in London?
If you’re based in Battersea or anywhere in London, working with a qualified CHEK Personal Trainer can dramatically improve your fitness, posture, and quality of life. (Hint: I happen to know a guy )
Final Thoughts
A CHEK Practitioner doesn’t just count reps—they connect the dots. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start progressing, it’s time to get a truly holistic coach in your corner.