Since Christopher McDougall’s “Born To Run” launched and Vibram’s “Five Fingers” hit the stores, fitness workouts have evolved into what is now a trend. It may seem as if we’re going back in time, before the technology of footwear with all the bells and whistles of sneakers, where all you need is simply your two feet.
The fitness science of being barefoot is that the foundation of your entire body’s alignment starts with your feet. How your foot lands and connects to the ground shifts placement of the muscles up. For example, pronation of your feet (your arches rolling in) will slightly turn your knees in. Your hip flexors will begin to follow creating a pelvic tilt. That will lead to a slight tug in your lower back. Should this misalignment continue, back pain will begin and more than likely become a chronic issue. Who would have thought your two little feet could be so problematic?
The concept of barefoot training is forcing your feet to work out. Sport stores carry an array of sneakers all geared for specific reasons (pronation, stability, high arch, flat feet and so on) but what they all have in common is that they prevent your feet from moving so the rest of your body does all the work. The job of your feet is to provide balance and absorb some of the shock so that your knees and hips don’t have to. So the stronger your feet, the more they can help keep your body safe and pain free.
Here are some reasons you should consider going barefoot in your workouts:
- Stronger feet = better yoga practice
Once your feet start to work, you will find how crucial they are in your yoga practice. Notice how often yoga instructors will instruct you to ground your feet, spread your toes, and connect to the 4 corners. Consciously think about your feet and press firmly into them and you’ll see that Tree Pose can be a breeze!
- Lift your arches = tighter booty
I am certified to teach EBFS BARE, which is an entire workout barefoot. This workout is not a piece of cake! Simply pressing into your big toe will lift your arches, forcing you to use the deep rotator muscles in your hip and firing up your Glute muscles. Keep that up during your workouts and you’ll have a tighter booty and stable hips. Woohoo!
- Stable ankles to prevent sprains.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned my ankles because of cute wedge sandals or a night out in stilettos. Training your feet will help to build strength and stability in your ankles helping you bounce back from those sprains or prevent them all together.
- A runner’s must!
If you’re a runner and wear those heavily supported sneakers, you are just pounding into your knees and hips. Consider a lighter shoe so your feet can start to absorb some shock. Your feet will also help keep the rest of your body in alignment and force the muscles in your legs to work more. You will see a difference not only in your strides but your overall strength and definition in your legs.
There are so many opportunities for you to try barefoot training through classes (Pilates, Barre classes, BARE) or just purchasing the right shoe (I love New Balance’s Minimus). Remember when you introduce something new to your body, take it slow, and observe how your body responds to this change. Definitely seek the help of professionals or research the information before you fully jump into it. But this is a change well worth it! Have fun!