Product Reviews
In developing safe & effective fitness programs and nutritional guidance, it is important that we navigate the market with our clients. We want to let you know what the best products are and help you avoid any equipment, food, or supplement pitfalls. Check back often for new reviews and feel free to comment in our blog about any products you have experience with or questions you may have.
Minimalist Running
Intrigued by the barefoot running craze? Know what you are getting into before you adopt minimalist training techniques.
Our advice: proceed with caution and allow a lengthy adjustment period if you transition to this running/training style. Yes, the human body is built to exist, survive, and perform in its raw state---without bulky, weighted protection that influences the way we move. However, most of us have evolved to adapt to influences of modernity---we've all been wearing shoes for a few years, right? If you're body is used to a certain movement pattern, such as walking around for several decades in shoes, it will take a significant amount of attention to reconfigure the way your musculoskeletal system responds to each step you take, especially when you change what is on your feet on a regular basis.
If the proper considerations are taken, we vote yes for minimalist training. Take note of the following tips if you're thinking of making the switch:
Our advice: proceed with caution and allow a lengthy adjustment period if you transition to this running/training style. Yes, the human body is built to exist, survive, and perform in its raw state---without bulky, weighted protection that influences the way we move. However, most of us have evolved to adapt to influences of modernity---we've all been wearing shoes for a few years, right? If you're body is used to a certain movement pattern, such as walking around for several decades in shoes, it will take a significant amount of attention to reconfigure the way your musculoskeletal system responds to each step you take, especially when you change what is on your feet on a regular basis.
If the proper considerations are taken, we vote yes for minimalist training. Take note of the following tips if you're thinking of making the switch:
- Consider your terrain--we aren't meant to survive barefoot on concrete. This could cause serious injuries!
- Ease, we really mean EASE, into minimalist training
- Take extra time for warm-up exercises & stretching, as well as cool down and muscle-tissue release techniques. Especially in the lower legs & feet!
- Know if you don't belong in the bracket of people who can train this way--old injuries? muscle weaknesses or imbalances? Fix those in conjuction with adopting barefoot style or don't go barefoot.
- Shop around--there are a lot of great companies out there with varied minimalist style shoes (New Balance, Vivo, Merrell, Brooks, etc.)