What Do You Wear on Your Feet?

The following is a guest post written by Katie Bigelow, a Z Health Master Practitioner(p), RKC and student at Emory University majoring in Neuroscience. Next time you are in the market for athletic shoes, reference this article for some smart choices!

"As most athletes who first meet Delaine and I at Condition Kettlebell Gym have noticed, we wear some pretty funky shoes – that is if we are actually wearing shoes. Well, here is the information you’ve all been asking us for about shoes.

First, we must start with the basics. In today’s age, shoes are a materialistic accessory that more often than not matches the color of clothing. Thousands of years ago, before the invention of air conditioning, cars, and the light bulb Neanderthals walked the earth BAREFOOT. And so should you! The Neanderthal barefoot approach is significant, because this is actually the most efficient and healthy method of walking and movement for your body. Anatomically, there are 26 bones in the foot and ALL of them should be mobile. When taking a step, the force from the ground starts at the heel and is distributed throughout the rest of the foot and body. If one of the bones in the foot doesn’t move efficiently or is jammed, the force from the ground is altered and the distribution throughout the rest of the body changes. What does this change in force mean for you? Put simply, changes in joint and postural alignment and PAIN! The pain can occur in the knees, hips, and/or lower back, etc.

So, you can’t walk the streets barefoot and you don’t want immobile and painful joints. Here are some shoe suggestions that will help minimize pain and postural changes and facilitate healthy and mobile joints:

Nike Free
Puma Alsten
Converse – Chuck Taylor’s
Puma Speedcats
Vibram Five Fingers
Adidas Samba
New Balance 790s
Adidas Chiba
Reebok Driving Shoes

These are all athletic shoes that are great options for athletic performance, everyday activities, and even work! If you don’t have any of these shoes in your closet, you should check your current shoes to see if they fit the profile. An easy test is to pick up one shoe and bend the sole. If the sole doesn’t bend with ease, or only in the toe area, you should strongly consider purchasing any of the shoes listed above. Basic things to look for are flat shoes with a flexible sole throughout the entire length of the shoe, which will allow for all the bones and joints in your feet to move freely and efficiently. Also, if you’re puzzled about where to look or all the shoe stores you’ve checked don’t carry the above shoes, trying some of the following websites:

www.nike.com
www.ebay.com
www.zappos.com
www.eastbay.com
www.vibramfivefingers.com

With a fresh pair of flat and mobile shoes you are well on your way to better performance with a more efficient and mobile body!"

Keep moving,

Katie Bigelow
RKC Instructor
Z Health Level 4 & 9-S Movement Coach

Recent Press Release

Wilmington, North Carolina Kettlebell Instructor Launches HeadSTRONG Athletics Boot Camps

Summary:
HeadSTRONG Athletics, located in Wilmington, North Carolina, holds boot camps focused on kettlebell training to help people burn body fat, gain lean muscle and increase their athletic ability.


November 12th, 2008- Local Wilmington, North Carolina Russian Kettlebell Instructor and fat loss specialist, Shawn Manning, is the founder of HeadSTRONG Athletics, a fitness boot camp for men and women located at McKay Healing Arts on Wrightsville Avenue. The boot camp program promises twice the results in a fraction of the time for a third of the cost of other Wilmington personal training services.

Manning believes that boot camp group classes are the answer to those looking for personal service but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg to get in shape. “The economic situation has taken its toll on all of us. I started these classes with my present one-on-one clients in mind so that they could save money and still enjoy the rewards of personal training. It turns out that fitness enthusiasts of all types love the atmosphere and challenge. The group boot camps not only provide awesome energy and camaraderie, they also allow people an affordable alternative to expensive programs.”

HeadSTRONG Athletics’ integrated strength and conditioning training plus Precision Nutrition system is second to none for helping people burn fat, lose weight fast and improve their athletic abilities. “Our clients are shedding weight, hitting the tennis ball harder and looking better than they have in years.” HeadSTRONG Athletics accomplishes this by focusing on kettlebell training and compound movements. “Our boot camps consist of 45-minute super-charged workouts featuring interval and circuit training. “We use kettlebells, sandbags, heavy ropes and body weight drills instead of machines to get in top shape.” This type of fast paced training, such as the Tabata intervals they use in class, burns nine times more fat than ordinary straight set, long rest periods exercise. Manning is quick to say that although this type of program may not be for everyone, even beginners have great success and are never left behind. “Don’t get fooled into thinking this is too hard for you if you are just starting to workout. Modifications are made everyday so that people feel comfortable easing into exercise.”

HeadSTRONG Athletics has some raving fans, such as Fran Rudolph who claims: “I’ve lost 15 pounds; my clothes are starting to fit again – yeah! And now, I can do much more – biking, kayaking, skiing –to name a few, and just doing regular housework is so mush easier. And, the classes are so much fun. It seems like intense personal training, but with a group – and such nice people – everyone’s so friendly and welcoming. Your training program is definitely part of my life now, and I can’t imagine where I’d be without it!”


The name HeadSTRONG Athletics comes from the belief that everyone has internal athletes that needs to challenge themselves and be aggressive. Some people want to be active to lose 30 pounds, some to move up to the next level in their sport and some to feel like they did in their 20’s. “I believe there are two parts to physical fitness; One being the conditioned body and the other the strong mind. When you become tough physically, a change happens within that prepares you mentally for the next challenge. Being headstrong is as important as looking good. We want to be the ones to facilitate this change with our boot camps.”

HeadSTRONG Athletics offers boot camp classes throughout the day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. A free one-week trial is available to all newcomers. There will be a FREE Post Thanksgiving Workout for anybody interested in burning off Thursday’s meals at Hugh McRae Park on Friday, November 28th at 9:00 am. For more information visit www.headstrongathletics.com.Call 910.231.5011 or email shawn@headstrongathletics.com for more information on our group kettlebell classes and personal training.