One 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.
Train Hard – Train Smart
www.asap-pt.com