Sole Mate: Why Going Barefoot Could Be Your Best Workout Buddy
Okay, so you may know how much I love the freedom of teaching online, right? Well, one of my favourite perks is kicking off my shoes and getting grounded with some barefoot training. It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: working out without shoes!
Here's why I'm a fan, especially when I'm guiding you through a session: ditching the shoes lets my feet actually feel the ground. And that connection? It makes a surprising difference in my stability and body awareness, which I think translates into clearer cues and a better flow for you. Plus, and this is key for me, it just makes the movement feel so much more natural.
Various experts believe the fascia (that amazing web that holds us all together), says it's not just about the foot muscles. Going barefoot can actually wake up that whole fascial system, improving how our feet move, how stable we feel, and even our overall body weight distribution.
In addition, a podiatrist friend told me that most shoes can let those smaller muscles in your feet and ankles get a bit lazy. And, our big toe is kind of like the rudder for your whole body, helping with movement, balance, and side-to-side action. When it's all confined in a shoe, it loses some of its feedback.
Without the usual cushioning and support, our foot muscles have to work harder to keep us steady which really engages them and builds strength in the muscles that support our arches. And stronger arches translates to better foot function and more efficient movement overall – which means I can demonstrate those tricky transitions with a bit more ease and with a greater sense of natural flow.
Why I love training barefoot
Enhanced stability and natural coordination: More ground feedback makes my body feel more grounded and my movements more natural
Increased mobility and ease: Barefoot allows a wider range of motion in our feet and ankles, which improves flexibility and mobility, making movements feel more fluid and natural.
Fewer niggles: Strengthening foot muscles can help prevent ankle and foot injuries by correcting imbalances in our gait. Plus, Lawrence adds that improved proprioception can help avoid clumsy moments which I definitely have!
Improved posture and natural alignment: It encourages natural alignment from the feet up, improving posture and making movements feel more efficient and natural
If you're curious and would like to give it a whirl, for any bodyweight, balance, yoga, or pilates, go shoeless! For high-impact, keep shoes on.
Try a quick foot roll warm-up. Then, maybe incorporate a few barefoot exercises like squats or lunges. Notice how much more connected and natural the movement feels. You don't need a whole barefoot session to feel the difference.
Give your feet a little freedom on your mat and see how much more natural your movement feels!