Barefoot running is an exercise fad that many swear by. There are benefits and drawbacks to exercising and running without wearing shoes.
There is a movement among a small portion of runners to do cardiovascular exercise while barefoot. Many runners believe that it is better for the feet and body to run, even outdoors, while not wearing shoes.
In ancient times, athletes and runners performed events and exercise while not wearing shoes. Today, in countries where wearing coverings on the feet is not common practice or not possible because of poverty, tribes and cultures perform all kinds of tasks, like running, hunting, playing, and working, this way.
It is the belief of those that prefer to exercise without footwear that running this way reduces injury, improves foot biometrics, and increases speed and efficiency. Some experts agree with these enthusiasts, claiming that supportive shoe inserts and soles throw off the body and legs' natural alignment and create more problems with knees, joints, and muscles.
They also believe that wearing protective footwear causes the muscles and ligaments within the foot to weaken, lose elasticity, and stop doing what they were originally meant to do. These purists feel that human beings were able to do all kinds of physical activity in the past without wearing any kind of coverings on their feet, so we should not be worried about supportive foot-gear.
Other experts feel that the optimum way to exercise is with cushioning and support on your feet. Experts believe that wearing correct footwear with cushioning and reinforcement can actually help or completely correct mechanical problems within the ankles, feet, and legs.
There are definitely a number of benefits to barefoot running. One good thing about this type of exercise is that you will increase the strength of the tendons, muscles, and ligaments within your feet and legs.
There is also a chance that it may reduce injuries associated with tendinitis or calf pulls, because it lengthens muscles. Getting the most out of running really depends on foot placement and which area of the foot hits the ground when you are doing so.
The most efficient way to run is by landing on the mid-foot, the bottom of the ball and the arch. When wearing running shoes, you are more likely to land on your heels, depending on the design and area of padding on them.
When jogging barefoot, you are more likely to land on the ball of your feet and place them correctly onto the ground. Making contact with the forefoot is easier on the body and results in less injury to the knees and ankles.
Exercising barefoot can also help increase your posture and balance, due to the strengthening of the muscles and tendons in your feet. It improves your balance by making it easier for your toes and balls of the feet to stretch out and ground yourself against the running floor.
However, there are definitely drawbacks to working out this way. Shoes provide you with protection from glass, rocks, hard pavement, and other things found when performing exercise outdoors.
They also protect you from getting blisters, bunions, callouses, and many other foot-related maladies. Going barefoot can be a shock to your body and muscles.
Since we spend most of our time in shoes, not wearing them while doing exercise may provide quite a shock to your legs and joints. Barefoot running is a newer fad, and more research must be done regarding whether or not it is beneficial or detrimental to the body.
If you are interested in this type of exercise, there are ways that you can try it without causing injury or pain to your feet. Start out slowly with the use of a treadmill.
Running barefoot on a treadmill will be much easier on your feet. You will be less likely to receive cuts or blisters because the surface is smoother and more controlled.
You will also be able to see how your body responds to not wearing protective footwear over an extended period of time. If you have been jogging on a treadmill without shoes every day for a few weeks and do not notice any joint or tendon pain, you are probably safe to try doing so outdoors.
There is also a new type of footwear designed to mimic the look and feel of running barefoot. These shoes cover the feet and protect them from glass or rocks.
It is really unknown how beneficial barefoot running is to the body. It is important for you to research all of the pros and cons before seriously performing this type of exercise.
Author Resource:-
Terry Daniels is an accomplished expert in health and fitness. He recommends the besttreadmills you can find in the market.
Contact Info:
Terry Daniels
TerryDaniels09@gmail.com
(http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Category_-1_14201_16002_29509_Y)
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 