Running barefoot has become a very popular way to exercise and get in shape-however, is it the best method for you? Everyone's feet are different, and what work well for some, does not work at all for others.
In the past we relied solely on running shoes to protect our feet-however, according to some professionals, they treat our feet more like planks that only move at the ball. However, each foot has twenty six bones, many ligaments, and over twenty muscles and their associated tendons.
These muscles form four layers which support the four arches of your feet and both spread the load when you land and help propel you forward. Some argue that if we do not let our feet out of their shoe prisons, they will become weak, and more prone to injury.
According to some, you can strengthen your feet and ankles by using them as they were designed to be used. They would encourage you to take off your shoes and let your feet move on natural surfaces.
When you walk or run barefoot, they claim that you strengthen the little muscles in your feet. You may also stretch and strengthen your calf muscles and may improve your running form.
The protection provided by your shoes allows you to get away with sloppy running style. However, when you are barefoot, you tend to use a much better technique.
If you feel this is worth trying out, be careful that you do not start out too quickly. If you do, you could end up injuring yourself.
Your feet will be soft and unprepared, and you need to start out slow. Make sure that you run somewhere safe, without hazards such as stones and broken glass.
Trying running on soft grass, or on the sand to begin with. Better yet, begin walking instead of running-as your feet become more tough and sturdy, you can graduate to running.
Barefoot is really only natural when running on natural, or at least forgiving, surfaces. Some of the best locations for this practice are golf courses, grass fields at schools, universities, parks, and long stretches of sandy beach that are a little moist, so they are a bit more firm.
Be sure to stay away from surfaces that are too hot, or too cold. You can seriously damage your skin if you do.
As mentioned previously, start as gradually as possible. Before you start, you should walk barefoot for a few weeks to strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles and toughen up the skin on your soles.
Start out by going for five to ten minutes at a time, a couple of times each day. You can also do exercises while without shoes, such as high knees and walking on the balls of your feet to prepare your feet.
Feel your arches the next morning. If they are not sore, then you can do a little more the next day, but progress slowly.
When you can tread without shoes for an hour relatively comfortably, then you should be ready to start a little running. The forces on your feet and calf muscles are bound to increase greatly.
Start out with five minutes at the very most, and increase slowly, only exercising every two to three days. After a couple of months, you may get to where you can go for twenty minutes, but for some people a few minutes will be all they can handle.
Unfortunately, the options are more limited in much of the country during the winter, but you can keep your soles tough by walking everywhere in home without shoes, doing a few laps on an indoor track, as often as you can. If you start to feel pain or discomfort, stop completely.
It may not be for you. Also, if you notice added back, hip, or neck pain, take a few days off, and consult a chiropractor for help.
Working on a more cushioned surface such as a treadmill can also help you to get started. You may find that you have more spring in your step, and a slightly longer stride.
Pay attention to the way you are feeling every step along the way. You may find that this technique works much better for you.
Author Resource:-
Tommy Greene has worked and helped people in the health and fitness industry for more than 20 years and recommends the best smooth treadmill reviews.
![[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 