Foot LOOSE

Kick off your shoes!

Can’t imagine ditching your trainers for your next workout? Well, according to podiatrists and fitness experts, working out without sneakers could be better for you. It can improve balance, bring awareness to imbalances, and increase spatial awareness and overall foot and ankle strength. Here’s what you need to know:

BARE BENEFITS

Apart from creating a stable foundation, going barefoot when exercising also improves the mind and body connection. “There are nerves and receptors throughout the foot that send signals through the body, reminding certain muscles to turn on, like a light switch,” says Lacee Lazoff, a kettlebell specialist and certified trainer. She advises that newbies start with simple exercises like squats and lunges to avoid injury.

A STRONG FOUNDATION

When we think of toning and strength we often think of abs, arms and legs, but according to foot and ankle surgeon Dr Anne Holland Johnson, strengthening our tootsies should be top of the list. “Your feet and ankles are the base of the body,” she says. “So, if you have any instability, it can affect [how you walk]. If one small thing’s off, you’ll compensate, and that goes up the kinetic chain.” This could lead to potential knee and hamstring issues.

SLOW AND STEADY

While it may be tempting to jump in bare feet first to your new training regime, experts warn to ease into any activity sans shoes. “Just try to maintain a neutral foot position during any barefoot lift,” says functionalal podiatrist Emily Splichal. “If you’re doing anything dynamic, be very mindful of landing g technique because e there’s no shoe to protect you.” Building ding up feet strong enough ugh to run successfully y without shoes takes es time, so it’s suggested sted to start with a low running shoe, then n transition into sprints ints and shorter runs.

SAFETY IS KEY

Should you decidee to ditch your kicks next xt time you hit the gym, m,

Dr Johnson just hasas a few words of caution.on.You could drop a heavyy weight on your foot, or stub your toe,” she says. “Having no shoeshoes on at the gym has dangers within itself.”

Spend five to 10 minutes postworkout rolling out your feet with a tennis ball or golf ball.