Today's Fitness Tip

Shoes:  Shoes are extremely important when doing physical activity.  The right shoe will let you be comfortable and meybe even enjoy your activity,  while the wrong shoe can leave you injured or sitting on the couch. To begin with, it's important to select the right shoe for your physical activity.  Walking shoes and running shoes are designed differently (walking shoes are stiffer, while running shoes are more flexible and have more cushioing to absorb the impact).  If you walk/run, I personally would go for the running shoe.  If you do trail running, select a running shoe that is specific to trail running as it will offer more support and will be a stiffer shoe to protect you from the trails. Know the shape of your foot.  This is important in determining the fit of the shoe.  Some people roll their foot outwards, while some roll it inwards.  Doing a "wet test" will help you make the determination as to which you are (search the Internet for more infor in this area). Periodically re-measure your foot.  As we lose weight, the size of our shoes shrink.  Improper shoe sizes are a great way to develop an injury.  Also, just because you wear a specific size in nike does not meant hat you will wear that same size in Adidas.  I found this out when I bought my first pair of Asics.  I had to buy a 1/2 size smaller, but wide width. As most women already know, the best time of the day to shoe shop is  towards the end of the day.  This is when your feet are at their largest.  And no one wants to workout in shoes that are too tight. When trying on shoes, bring a pair of the socks you wear when working out in.  I know that this sounds odd, but I wear different socks while running that what I would wear with my everyday shoes.  My workout socks are actually thinner, becasue of the dry wicking material, which means that I need a tighter shoe compared to my thicker everyday socks. Walk/jog around int he store with the shoes on.  Make sure that they feel good and don't rely on the "breaking in" period.  You want to be comfortable right out of the box.  And as we all know...once you wear them ont he road, they are yours.  So, make sure that they feel good - no rubbing or sliding.  Also, do the grip test to make sure that you are comfortable with the tread.  There is nothing my aggreviating than shoes with low treads or extra grippey. I recommend that you pay a decent price for a decent pair of shoes.  Just like the old addage - you get what you pay for.  A decent pair of shoes can run about $80.00, but will last if well taken care of.  No walking/running in puddles or mud.  No leaving them on the back porch, no cutting the grass in them.  These are your shoes for the sole purpose of physical activity. A decent pair of shoes can last you 350 - 500 miles, and should be replaced no matter what they look like.  We are often fooled by how they look on the outside.  But, with the constant impact of walking, running or other activity (ie:  step aerobics, hopping in kick boxing, etc.) the insoles will breakdown, will become less supportive and can cause injuries.  Even if you do less intense activities, you should replace your shoes. Also, periodically check out the treads.  Low treads can cause injuries as well. And, if possible, have a second pair on hand and wear them every other day. Now, after all of this, pick out an affordable pair that will do the activity you want to do and that look really cute, because my attitude is if I have to exercise....I'm going to look cute doing it! Enjoy!!! ___________________________________________________________________________
As always, before beginning any fitness activity, see your doctor for clearance.  This for your own safety.  The above information is my personal opinions and is based on my own personal research in this area.  © 2008, Jill Krekel, Certified Personal Trainier. All rights reserved.