Take it OFF! Take it OFF! Your shoes, that is. What did you think I was talking about, ya perv? Barefoot training isn't a new concept, but the best ones never seem to be. Among the benefits of barefoot training are:
- Stronger foot and lower-leg muscles, which means you can push off the ground harder, making your stride longer and thus making you faster
- Better coordination from varied stride pattern
- Decreased rate of ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis
- Reduced energy cost (meaning working out barefoot feels easier, too)
But before you shuck your shoes, note that you gotta start slow and have healthy feet or you might exacerbate existing injuries.
And if you're a sensitive sole (ha), you can always opt for minimal cover up, like a pair of barefoot running shoes or Vibram Five Fingers. (I almost got a pair of the latter with a Vibram Five Finger discount, if you know what I mean, when the company sent a pair for us to photograph and feature in the magazine. But alas, it was not meant to be. Stupid conscience.)
So. Have you tried barefoot training? Does it tickle your fancy?
[photo credit: joshme17]
I have tried barefoot training. And indoors I quite liked it. Outdoors, not so much. Although my gym was less than pleased with my naked tootsies. But I pointed out to them that all the pilates/yoga classes are barefoot. So they settled for just glaring at me.
So did you actually get to try on the Vibrams??? Or just covet them from afar? I so want to try those babies.
I agree with Charlotte. I have been running on my new treadmill, barefoot, initially just because it's mine and I can do what I want! Ha! But it really does feel easier. I like it but I can't see running outside in bare feet. Too much debris. I think I would spend my entire run looking down. Boo.
Jen, I joined a new blog site, just for you. My first blog is about theings that piss me off at the gym. It got tagged for explicit content but really I write exactly how I talk. Ha ha I am explicit.
I also didn't use spell check. So what? I will fix it when I have time. You can click on my name here and you will go to my blog. FYI...
So, I haven't went "bare" when I jog - would the neighbors complain??? Sorry...
I haven't bared my feet when I run. Interesting idea...maybe I'll give it a shot sometime... However, I have went bare on my feet during weight training. Have done this for squats and deadlifts. I like it in that I seem to concentrate more on my feet, and really feel the movements in a new way. That said, I usually wear shoes, but going without every now and then is a nice way to mix it up.
Charlotte,
I didn't actually put them on -- only gazed longingly. :) Let me know if you try 'em!
Halvo,
Congrats on the new treadmill! And, I'm so glad to access a blog of yours that doesn't require a password -- yippeeeee!
Lance,
I think barefoot training encompasses running, lifting and any number of activities (going bare in the neighborhood, perhaps?) -- so I'm sure you're reaping the same kinds of benefits. Shoes are optional in the kettlebell class I go to (sporadically). It's fun, isn't it, once you get past the fear of dropping a weight on your foot? :)
plus running on grass with bare feet feels fantastic on those toes!