Here is a quick clip of a Friday “Fun” Day circuit with a few football players at Pierce College.
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Archive for April, 2010
Training Circuit
Saturday, April 17th, 2010Barefoot Running – Follow Up
Wednesday, April 14th, 2010A few things I have noticed since training with the Vibram Five Fingers for about a week and a half during workouts (strength training and running):
- After my workouts my feet feel like they actually participated in the workout. I have been working out for a long time and have never had that same feeling after workouts (unless training barefoot in the sand). It’s a weird feeling for your feet and lower leg to be just as a sore as your hamstrings and glutes.
- The foot is free to move through the full range of motion and activate muscles during athletic movements. - During jogging, running and sprinting I feel more aware of what part of foot is striking the ground and where in space (under or in front my center of gravity).
- Increased proprioception is a major benefit to barefoot training. - I have seen an increase in proprioception carry over even when I am wearing regular athletic shoes.
- Training barefoot has a transfer to athletic performance in court shoes, cleats, and turfs. - There is a feeling of being more connected to the ground when doing strength training exercises such as deadlifts. Athletic shoes with all the fancy cushing and arch support limit the feeling of gripping the ground with your feet. We know grip strength during exercises is important for activation of the shoulder musculature. The same is true for the foot and leg. If the foot is activated and gripping the ground the signal will be sent through the rest of the muscles in the leg.
- Barefoot training can enhance strength performance.
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Barefoot Running
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010One of the hottest trends in the fitness world is barefoot training. This concept has blown up since the release of Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I just finished the book and thought it was an amazing read. It really gave insight into the world of long distance running and how the body was designed to run great distances. One part of the book that has really hit the fitness world is the idea of training barefoot or with Vibram Five Fingers. The benefits of training barefoot or with the Five Fingers includes improved balance and stability, increased strength and power, improved range of motion at the foot and ankle, and improved athletic performance.
Here are my new Vibram Five Fingers:
I think we will begin to see more competitive athletes train barefoot or with shoes like the Five Fingers. Athletes that first come to mind are volleyball and basketball players. Most court athletes wear ankle braces and supportive athletic shoes when they compete. Practicing and training braces and shoes weaken the muscles in the foot and ankle. This increases the risk of injury not only to the foot and ankle but also up the chain – knees, hips, and low back. Athletes need their foot and ankle to function properly to maximize athletic potential.
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