Why Barefoot Running Is Right For You
by Ralph Ogden
Running is great exercise for your cardiovascular system, leg muscles, and your brain. Running barefoot is even better. Of course I don't actually mean going out for a jog with absolutely nothing on your feet. If your neighborhood is anything like mine, you'll end up with a switchblade or hypodermic needle in your foot in no time.
Rather than really running sans shoes, people are shodding themselves with new barefoot, minimalist-style shoes or sandals.
Low-profile "barefoot" shoes are slightly different from regular athletic shoes. Here's how:
No cushioning - or very little - and a lightweight sole
They don't hold your foot steady
Minimalist shoes have no heel to them at all, or very little
Very bendable
Let your toes naturally spread out in a wide toe-box
There is a broad spectrum of minimalist shoe on the market these days, and you can get any level of hard-core bare-foot-ness you think you can handle. If you're just starting out, I'd recommend you get something that still has a little cushion - especially if you're actually going to be running, not just working out at the gym in them.
When minimalist shoes first came out, it was nothing but those toe-shoes that many people think don't look very good at all. Nowadays though, all the major running shoe makers have minimalist models, and there are even specialty makers that focus on just barefoot shoes, like VIVOBAREFOOT.
Using a barefoot shoe - or just being barefoot - allows your body to work in a more bio-mechanically correct fashion. Your foot is designed to create its own cushioning (a fat-pad on the bottom of your foot), and you'll begin to land more in the center/ball of your foot, which creates less impact force than landing on your heel as you do in a traditional shoe, and it allows your toes to splay out naturally.
This has created many benefits for many different people. Many people have found that switching to low-profile shoes helped remove chronic pain from their backs and knees, and others have found that it increased their balance.
All of the fine muscles that help you steady yourself will be exercised as well, increasing your balance.
It's important to not do too much too quickly. Those fine, balancing muscles aren't ready yet for lots of work. Start with only 5 minutes of barefoot-style running.
Think you're ready to buy a pair of barefoot shoes but think that <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cnkvpqq">Vibram Five Fingers look ugly</a>? Then be sure to check out this full review of barefoot shoe styles and tips to select the right shoe for you!
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New Unique Article!
Title: Why Barefoot Running Is Right For You
Author: Ralph Ogden
Email: kremerseo@gmail.com
Keywords: barefoot running, barefoot exercise, minimalist running, running, fitness, exercise, shoes, sports, athletics, fashion
Word Count: 393
Category: Health & Fitness
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