Why Do you Exercise Barefoot

[BarefootExerciser]

Someone put up a post about doing the tapes barefoot and I was surprised that alot of us still like exercise barefoot! I was just wondering how and why did you start exercising barefoot?

I've always loved to exercise barefoot, and I feel I just get a better workout when I have no shoes or socks on my feet especily for any floor / mat exercises! I don't know how anyone can do mat exercises with shoes on!!

[meowmix]

I've always done the mat/floorwork barefoot, but it never even occurred to me to do an entire exercise tape barefoot until I got From The Ground Up:rolleyes:. Now, I do all the FitPrimes/WHFNs barefoot because my balance is so much better and because of that I can get so much deeper into each move. I run and I recently posted a question on this forum about running in less structured shoes (like a Nike free 5.0) but didn't get an overwhelming response. I really believe that running shoes and crosstrainers are over-engineered and are making all of our feet weak!

[bettialice]

I rarely use shoes while working out. There are exceptions like when I am doing Leslie walking tapes or walking outdoors. I just feel more grounded and it is more comfortable and cooler to boot. And I hardly ever find shoes to really fit my strange foot shape. Fat big toes, wide front and very narrow heel and high arches. It is a true nightmare trying to get shoes that feel good.

[cocoa333]

I've had 4 foot operations and although I believe I need support, I'd prefer to be able to workout at home barefoot, or at least in rubber sole slippers. I try to workout before my children wake up, and am going to be starting a routine where I do shorter add ons (like yoga) at night when they are in bed. It seems to be quieter than wearing sneakers so I don't wake them up. I'm happy to read that others are doing these workouts barefoot. I just received 2 WHFN's and have ordered the rest (coming soon!) and I plan on doing an A.M. Yoga with Rodney Yee in the morning - WHFN as my main workout in the afternoon, and then maybe a quick Pilates/Yoga P.M. video at night. It's also one less thing I have to take out and put away after exercising. I have a really small house, and right now it's a hassle to clear away all my kids' toys, take out my step, sculpting stick, weights, mat, towel & water - then go put on appropriate shoes. This is probably also why I procrastinate exercising!

[RuthNYC]

Well, I'd also have to admit that part of the reason that i workout barefoot is that I'm more likely to do a workout if I have to "prepare" less and therefore have less reason t procrastinatehttp://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/wink.gif .


But really, it just feels so darn good working out without shoes. If there's no high impact, I can't see any reason to not workout barefoot. I pay more attention to form, my balance gets much better.

BTW, someone, somewhere posted a link to an article that stated that Nike and other companies are rethinking their "over-constructed" running shoes. Studies show that running injuries are on the rise and Nike now believes that shoes with too much protection, actually weaken the feet and cause an increase in injuries. They're working on new shoes to address this. Interesting, no?

RuthNYC

[beckdawn]

I am FLAT Footed and have always worked out barefoot.

Wearing shoes during workouts have always hurt my feet (I get muscle cramps where my arches should be):confused:

Seems like I would need that extra support, But I even like aerobics better without shoes.

[lynneo]

I've never considered barefoot exercising until recently. School is back and I have the blisters to prove it! I have been rotating shoes on, shoes off and it really is a different experience. I actually like it and would never have considered it if I didn't have the whfn series. I would never step without shoes though, I've been know to stumble!

[fredcate]

I find that I'm more reluctant to workout if I have to wear shoes anymore.Wore them always (since 1984) until I saw the post here about working out barefoot and was concerned at first because of doing the high step etc...with "no tread". I love exercising in barefeet and find that my feet/ankles and calves have become stronger not to mention that fact that it's so much cooler!http://www.whfn.com/board/images/smilies/biggrin.gif