Marilyn Monroe was on the right track. You see what I did there? Track? Shoes? Never mind.
You may be spending your summer in sandals or flip-flops, and just a few months ago boots were on your feet more often than not, but no matter the season, when you work out, don the appropriate footwear.
“I love your top!” “The pattern of your leggings is so cute!” “Are short sleeves or no sleeves better for working out?” “What kind of sports bra do you wear?” (OK, lady… now you are getting kind of personal.)
I’ve received these compliments or questions from clients, followed by them asking if I recommend particular clothing brands. My answer is always, “Work out in whatever you are most comfortable wearing. The most important thing is to make sure you have good shoes.” In terms of what you are wearing—other than gear that’s necessary for your sport, such as a bike helmet or mitt—the most important investment for the non-professional athlete is shoes.
That’s not to say that you need the most expensive shoes you can afford. If the shoe fits, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should wear it. You need the best-fitting shoe that also is the most appropriate for your sport. The proper shoe can protect you from common injuries associated with your activity.
Additionally, a shoe designed for a specific sport or exercise can actually help your performance.
I’m not saying you’ll be able to jump higher and dunk that basketball with the right shoe, even though the athletes selling those expensive kicks might have you believe that. What I am saying is, shoes may assist in cushioning your foot from impact, they may make sudden directional changes easier, they could support your ankle, they could protect your toes… well, you get the idea. As an example, for Zumba, shoes designed for dance fitness will most always have a pivot point at the ball of your foot close to the big toe. It either looks like a circle or sometimes is simply the absence of tread. This allows for the twisting and pivoting movements associated with dancing, without the pulling and jarring of your knees and ankles. Students have told me that pain that they would sometimes experience from classes, no longer appeared once they got new shoes, as I suggested.
So, keep your feet in good health, check your shoes and see if you need a new pair. Realize that for much of the day, though your feet are your contact point to the surface, your body is a complex system that works in unison. That means the impact that begins in your feet will affect your legs, hips, back, shoulders, and all the way up to your head. Is the tread worn? Is the padding lacking cushion? Do you have the right shoes? Even if you have the right shoes for your activity, have they served you well and are now ready to be retired? Not sure? Go try on a new pair of your favorites. If suddenly your comfy standbys no longer seem as comfy, do your feet—and essentially your entire body—a favor and treat yourself to new shoes!
I have just given you a legitimate excuse to go shoe shopping. You can thank me by joining me for a workout!
Contributing writer Denise Lum is a Health and Fitness Coach raising her family in Alameda. Contact her via [email protected] or FitnessByDsign.com. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Denise-Lum.
