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The cover of BioMechanics – The Magazine of Body
Movement and Medicine caught my eye. The February 2007 issue / Volume XIV
Number 2 had a barefoot runner on the front and the tag-line, “New barefoot
designs challenge footwear conventions.” Since the subject of happy feet and
improved posture is near to my heart, I was curious to learn more…
Research into the differences between running with shoes and running
barefoot has been going on since the mid 80’s. Findings seem to indicate
that peak joint loads may be reduced at the knee & hip when barefoot. But
shoes do decrease shock transmission for the spine. The increase support we
gain from our shoes means that some of the intrinsic muscles of the feet and
lower legs no longer need to do the work they would normally be responsible
for. So what you gain in a more supportive shoe, you might actually be
losing in your body’s ability to maintain the fine-tuning motor control for
balance and stability at the feet. (Stronger shoe = weaker feet.)
Shoe companies Nike and MBT are beginning to take a look at this, and have
started to design shoes with less support (so the feet have a chance to work
harder.) While they’re not sure yet how this might translate into athletic
performance, there are indications that a stronger more flexible foot might
perform better with a lower risk of injury. That last sentence put a wide
smile on my face. With the great amount of emphasis we place on your feet
with Pilates, it seems evident that the more correctly things work from the
ground up, your whole body will be aligned for free and easy movement. Irene
Davis, PT, PhD, professor of physical therapy and director of the Running
Injury Clinic at the University of Delaware, said, she has been motivated to
incorporate more barefoot walking in her own life. Ms. Davis also said, “I
think perhaps the widespread plantar fasciitis in this country is partly due
to the fact that we really don’t allow the muscles in our feet to do what
they!
are designed to do.” Affirmation for me that the focus we place on your
footwork at Centerworks is helping to be sure that your feet know how to do
what they are supposed to be doing as you walk, run, skip, hop, and jump for
joy that you have healthy feet!
Three cheers for all of you who have learned the Fantastic Feet! exercises
during your private lessons, in mat class, or have attended one of my foot
workshops. Or maybe you’ve been inspired to purchase the book Fantastic
Feet! and the Centerworks Pilates – Foot Fitness Kit so you can practice
fine-tuning your footwork at home. If you are doing Pilates, yoga, running
on the beach, belly-dancing or maybe just running around the house barefoot
celebrate your wisdom in actively developing strong, fit, and flexible feet.
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