Flexibility vs. Mobility

Flexibility vs. Mobility…Which is Better for Hockey Performance?

Flexibility vs. Mobility…Which is Better for Hockey Performance?


Flexibility and mobility, what’s the difference? These two words have very similar meanings, so determining which means what can get a little confusing. We’ll break it down for you! We’ll go over what each means in training terms, the difference between the two and how to get the best hockey performance benefit!

How We Define Flexibility:

Flexibility is typically referring to stretching or being able to get into a deep stretch. Think leaning over and touching your toes or sitting down and being able to grab your feet in front of you. These can be good indicators of having “flexibility” and not being overly tight. What the heck is mobility then??

Mobility trainingHow We Define Mobility:

Mobility is typically talking about the range of motion of our joints and how deep we can effectively get into movements. The TRUE difference between mobility and flexibility is mobility is about how strong you can be in those ranges of motion. It’s one thing to be able to stretch into a movement and a whole other thing to be able to be strong and explosive through those ranges of motion. Just because you can stretch into a range of motion does not mean you can control and be powerful through that range of motion! (More on this in another article about passive and active ranges of motion)

So Which is Better for Hockey Performance?

Both have there place in a well rounded sports performance program but when it comes to truly maximizing hockey performance and unleashing your potential, mobility is king! The benefits that come from increasing mobility are bountiful!

Mobility Benefits for Hockey Players:

  • Stronger on your Skates
  • Quicker Foot Speed
  • Increased Stride Power Production
  • Being Fluid and Explosive in every direction on the ice
  • Reduced Injury Risk

 

Written by:

Rob Jost – ACE-CPT,  NSCA-CPT

 

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The top 3 reasons why your results are plateauing

The top 3 reasons why your results are plateauing

The Top 3 Reasons Why Your Results are Plateauing

The top 3 reasons why your results are plateauing

Training for performance or just for health is a great experience of growth, but when the excitement of progress begins to dwindle, it’s natural to wonder “Why the plateau?” I will uncover the top three reasons that might be thwarting your results. Let’s navigate the challenge of adapting to changing fitness levels, shed light on the risk of overuse injuries, and emphasize the pivotal role that variety in exercises plays in sustaining momentum. So, if you’re feeling stuck questioning why your gains have hit a wall, we’re about to delve into the intricacies of these common hurdles, providing insights and strategies to break through those plateaus and revitalize your fitness journey. Get ready to elevate your workout game and bid farewell to stagnation!

Adapting to Changing Fitness Levels:

Progress is the goal, understanding and adapting to changing fitness levels is the cornerstone of continued success. Through the journey we hit peaks and valleys, and acknowledging that your body evolves over time is paramount. Adapting to changing fitness levels are the notions that what once challenged you may no longer provide the same benefits. It’s very important to recalibrate workout intensity, duration, and techniques to align with your current fitness capacity. From tweaking your exercise routine to accommodating variations in stamina and strength, adapting becomes not only a strategy for overcoming plateaus but also a fundamental aspect of evolving. Embrace the fluidity of your fitness levels, and you’ll not only optimize your efforts but also set the stage for a sustainable and progressive approach to achieving your goals.

Overuse Injuries:

Ever felt all of a sudden each workout is getting more and more difficult or draining? That could be the burnout or overuse injuries forming. It’s like a reminder that our bodies are not getting the rest, recovery or nutrition we need. Find that sweet spot between pushing boundaries and giving your muscles the break they deserve. Because, let’s face it, nobody wants to hit a plateau or deal with nagging injuries. This part is all about learning to listen to your body by throwing in those rest days, keeping on track with your diet and keeping your workouts diverse. By overcoming these plateaus, you’re ensuring you stay on the smooth track for the long haul.

The Importance of Variety in Your Workouts:

The importance of variety in your workouts unveil the secret sauce to combatting plateaus. When your body gets too acclimated with the same old routine, the gains can start to fizzle. The power of switching things up in your workouts like trying new exercises and exploring different fitness styles keeps things interesting for the mental and keeps your body adapting to getting stronger. Your body will always get used to doing the same thing over and over again. There’s different ways and variations to workout on the same goals you have. This is the space to embrace the huge variety of exercises that not only elevate your fitness game but ensure that each session remains exciting and effective. It’s time to bid farewell to workout monotony and welcome the true benefits of a diverse and dynamic workout.

 

Written by:

Dan Aquino – ASFA-CPT

 

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Hockey, Sports Performance, Personal Training, Tight Hips, Hip Stretches

Tight Hips? Let’s Get Them Loose!

Top 5 Ways to Stretch the Hips for Hockey Players

If you’re a hockey player, these stretches are great for opening up the hip region, especially if you’re experiencing tightness in the groin, hip flexor, or hamstrings. From the constant grind of the skating motion, you may experience tightness in these areas, but don’t worry, you came to the right place. Here are 5 stretches to loosen up your hips and improve mobility, specifically tailored for hockey players.

Stretch 1: Kneeling Groin Stretch

Start in a kneeling position, with one knee on the ground and the other knee facing forward. Place both hands on the ground, slightly inside the knee, and hold there. For a deeper stretch, you can raise your back knee off the ground. Next, keep one hand on the ground and with the opposite hand, reach towards the ceiling and rotate the torso and eyes to look at the hand. Slowly lower the arm, place the arm on the ground, and then turn and repeat on the other side, staying on the same knee. Do not rush and remember to breathe through the stretch.

Stretch 2: 90-Degree Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

With one knee on the ground, turn the other knee 90 degrees while aiming to keep the shoulders squared and facing forward. Tuck your hips and lean towards the flexed knee, stretching as deep as possible. Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for 1-2 rounds or as needed.

Stretch 3: Kneeling Quad Stretch

Start in a kneeling position, with one knee on the ground and the other knee facing forward. Lean forward about 45 degrees so that the chest is slightly over the quad, and with the hamstring relaxed, reach for the back foot. If you’re having trouble reaching the back foot, a resistance band can be used for assistance. Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds, relax, and slowly lower the foot to the ground. Repeat as needed.

Stretch 4: Kneeling Hamstring Stretch

After lowering the back foot from the Kneeling Quad Stretch, lean backward to extend the front leg, toes flexed toward the ceiling. “Fold” your torso over the leg to stretch the hamstrings. Hold for 10-15 seconds and breathe through the stretch to avoid straining the hamstring. Perform 1-2 sets or as needed.

Stretch 5: Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch

With one knee on the ground and the other facing forwards, keep the shoulders squared. Tuck your hips and lean forwards towards the flexed knee, keeping the core and glutes engaged. Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for 1-2 rounds or as needed. Below is a Banded Assisted Kneeling Quad Stretch.

No Equipment, No Problem

You don’t need equipment or a lot of space to do these 5 stretches that will help loosen up your hips and make you a more mobile hockey player. Remember all the exercises shown were on one side of the body, so don’t forget to stretch the other side! If you have a foam roller and want a deeper stretch, check out this article if you missed it, 3 exercises for hip relief – Training Aspects. Stay tuned for next week’s article for more on these stretches specifically beneficial for hockey players.

#unleashthepotential

Written by:

Darrid Watson, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

 

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Training Aspects is the home of the hockey player. Training is not all the same. understanding the needs of the athlete and being able to create solutions for the imbalances and help develop the hockey athlete takes experience. The hockey player, whether a hockey forward, hockey defenseman or hockey goalie, go to a place that know the sport and can guide the hockey athlete to success.

stretches, hips, tight hips, stretching hips, foam roller, foam rolling, personal trainer, south jersey, fitness

3 exercises for hip relief

Top 3 Ways to Stretch the Hips for Hockey Players Using Foam Rolling

If you’re a hockey player, for that matter. We understand the struggle of dealing with tight hips. Hours spent skating weekly, driving from game to game, and traveling across states can put your legs through a beating. Consequently, you may experience lower back tightness or tightness in the groin, often stemming from tightness in the hip region. Here are three quick stretches to help loosen up your hips and improve mobility, specifically tailored for hockey players.

Foam Rolling: Why It Helps the hockey athlete

Placing the foam roller directly under the tailbone/hips helps alleviate pressure on the hips and enables a wider range of stretching. This is particularly beneficial for hockey players, whose hips tend to be in Anterior Pelvic Tilt due to the skating motion and stance.

Stretch 1: Leg Sweeps

With the foam roller under your hips, keep the knee extended and toes flexed to emphasize the groin. Perform leg sweeps in a circular motion, gradually increasing the size of the circle with each rotation. You may feel tightness being released, often accompanied by a “cracking” sensation. Take your time with this stretch, aiming for 5-10 reps clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Stretch 2: Lying Knee Pull (Hug)

After completing leg sweeps, shake out your hips and keep one leg extended on the ground. Hug your other knee to your chest and hold for 10-15 seconds to feel the stretch and allow the joint to relax. Slowly extend the hugged knee, shake out your legs, and repeat with the other leg. Perform 1-2 sets or as needed.

Stretch 3: Lying Hip Tilts

Begin by lying on the foam roller with your stomach facing the ground. Tilt one hip at a 45-degree angle onto the roller, while the other hip faces the ceiling. Use your bottom leg and arms to roll up and down on the hip flexors, focusing on areas of tightness. Apply pressure to the roller for 10-15 seconds to release tension. Roll after releasing and repeat as necessary, then switch to the other hip.

No Foam Roller, No Problem

If you don’t have a foam roller, you can still try these stretches, although you’ll experience a deeper stretch with the roller. Additionally, there are other bodyweight exercises to loosen up the hip/pelvic area, such as the Figure 4 Stretch and Kneeling Hip Flexor Stretch. Stay tuned for next week’s article for more on these stretches specifically beneficial for hockey players.

#unleashthepotential

Written by:

Darrid Watson, CSCS, NSCA-CPT

 

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Hockey Speed Training

Top 3 Ways to Increase Hockey Speed

Top 3 Ways to Increase Hockey Speed

Hockey is a game of speed! There is no doubt about that, but what is the best way to increase hockey speed? The typical go to’s include ladder drills, agility training or just doing exercises faster. These can have a benefit and increase speed but how much speed can you really gain with these? It all comes down to the 3 basic principles were going to break down for you to finally unleash the hockey speed you’ve been working so hard to achieve!

Hockey Speed Tip 1: Stability

Improve Stability to Increase Speed:

Everyone wants to get right into the fancy speed stuff to get faster, makes sense…but what you might not think about is how stable your body is that you’re trying to create speed with? Trying to create speed and explosiveness on a shaky/unstable frame will only get you so much faster, if at all, and will lead to limited results or potential injury!

Instead try increasing your overall stability first with these 3 exercises

 

Hockey Speed Tip 2: Weight Transfer

Learn how to transfer your weight effectively:

Weight transfer, sounds great…but what does it actually mean? It’s your body’s understanding of how to shift its weight in all planes of movement. This includes side to side movement, forward and backwards, as well as rotational. This sums up hockey, you are constantly changing direction and shifting your weight quickly in every possible direction you can imagine. If you train one dimensional in the gym, you’ll be one dimensional on the ice. Train to be strong and efficient in every direction and you’ll be faster in every direction!

Try these 3 weight transfer exercises to get faster on the ice.

 

Hockey Speed Tip 3: Movement Potential

Maximizing your Movement to Increase Speed:

Movement potential is maximizing your movements to get the most potential out of them! This means ensuring you get full extension through your strides and making sure every muscle fires properly to increase how much power and ultimately speed you can output! Not only will your movements be more powerful and speedier but also more efficient! Which leads to more energy saved, allowing you skate faster and harder for much longer!

Try these 3 Movement maximizing exercises.

 

 

Speed can be gained but only as far as these 3 principles will take you. If one of these are lacking, your attempts to increase speed will only go so far.  Master your stability, weight transfer and movement potential to unlock endless speed gains!

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Written by:

Rob Jost, ACE-CPT, NSCA-CPT

 

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Not feeling it today? Try these tips on still crushing your workout

Not feeling it today? Try these tips on still crushing your workout

Not Feeling it Today? Try These Tips on Still Crushing Your Workout

Not feeling it today? Try these tips on still crushing your workout

Ever had those days when just the thought of working out feels like a chore, and the couch is calling your name louder than your motivated self? We’ve all been there but don’t worry; skipping a workout isn’t the only option. This article will be your go-to guide for shaking off the “not feeling it” vibes and still conquering your workout goals. From low energy slumps to mental roadblocks, I have some tips that will have you turning the dial from “meh” to “let’s do this!” Learn some methods to kick that lazy feeling to the curb and feel prepared to fight back on that urge to skip.

Set a Specific Goal for The Session:

When figuring out the type of a workout feels more daunting than enticing, setting a specific goal for the session can be your secret weapon to turn things around. Instead of approaching your exercise routine with a vague sense of obligation, pinpoint a clear and achievable objective. It could be as simple as completing it in a certain timeframe, basing it around maintenance, or even getting in some active rest. By giving your workout a purpose, you transform it from a mundane task into a purposeful aid to your overall goals. This not only focuses your efforts but also infuses a sense of accomplishment into each session.

Create a Pre-Workout Ritual:

Sometimes, the key to crushing your workout lies in the preparation leading up to it. Creating a pre-workout routine serves as a mental and physical primer, signaling to your body that it’s time to shift gears. Whether it’s blasting your favorite energizing playlist (one of my favorite methods), indulging in a quick dynamic stretch, and/or savoring a nice cup of coffee, these rituals become your personal prelude to action. They act as a bridge between the burdens of the day and the intensity of your workout, providing a fitting psychological cue that it’s time to focus and get after it. Your chosen routine will not only add a touch of consistency to your overall fitness journey but also serves as a huge motivator. It won’t always be easy to keep it going but treating your wellbeing and creating this ritual will remind yourself of who you truly want to be.

Vary Your Workouts:

Repetition is a big factor that leads to boredom and decreased motivation in your workouts. By introducing diversity, you create a big game-changer that keeps exercising interesting and enjoyable. Switch up your exercises, re-evaluate your goals and create different workouts to achieve them, or venture into new workout formats. This not only keeps things interesting but also challenges your body in unique ways, preventing it from hitting a plateau. By embracing variety, you’ll discover renewed enthusiasm whether it’s trying a new sport, incorporating bodyweight exercises, or experimenting with high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Change The Intensity:

Adjusting the intensity of your workout can be a strategic move to ensure you still get the job done. On days when fatigue weighs heavily, consider lowering the intensity while maintaining consistency. Try a lighter set of weights or a gentler pace during cardio. The key here is not to let the momentum fade completely. On the flip side, consider a shorter, high-intensity approach. Increase the intensity by pushing for higher weights, incorporating explosive movements, or reducing rest intervals between sets. This way, you’re trading duration for intensity, ensuring a swift and efficient workout that still leaves you feeling accomplished.

 

Written by:

Dan Aquino – ASFA-CPT

 

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Can’t find time to workout?

Can’t find time to workout?

Can’t Find Time to Workout?

Can’t find time to workout?

Finding time to prioritize our physical well-being often takes a back seat to the demands of work, family, and other commitments. The big struggle of “Can’t Find Time to Workout?” resonates with many, but it’s crucial to recognize that incorporating exercise into our routine is not just a luxury but a necessity. Let us delve into practical strategies and mindset shifts that can empower even the busiest individuals to carve out those important moments that keep us on track to accomplish our fitness goals. If you’ve ever felt the challenge of time constraints hindering your fitness goals, this guide is your roadmap to reclaiming those precious moments for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Establishing a Consistent Routine:

The notion of “Can’t Find Time to Workout?” often stems from the lack of a structured plan. However, by weaving exercise into the fabric of our daily lives and treating it as a non-negotiable aspect of our routine, this time slot becomes tangible. It can feel tedious crafting a consistent workout schedule that aligns with your lifestyle, but no one knows your schedule and lifestyle as well as you. We can designate specific days and times for exercise to gradually increasing the duration and intensity, building a routine not only fosters discipline but also transforms physical activity into an indispensable habit. There’s always the commitment of it but don’t overload your plate jumping into something too difficult to keep up with. You can always start small and make changes as you adapt to this new routine.

Accountability and Social Support:

When the clock never seems to be on your side, having a support system can make all the difference. Instead of stressing over making the time, talk to your friends  buddies, people who embody the lifestyle change you want, and the personal trainers who’ve got your back. Personal trainers are the fairy godparent, offering guidance and that extra push when needed without the hassle of figuring out what to do and how you’ll get there. They are a direct way to ensure you’re not just paying for their services but the results and change you want while also making a friend who will guide you there. And let’s not forget your squad – the friends, family, or online buddies who turn sweating it out into a group activity. So, if you’ve been dancing around the idea of a fitness journey alone, it’s time for partnerships and getting the help to boost you into the person you want to be.

Making Time for What Matters to You!:

Alright, let’s talk real life priorities. It’s time to flip the script and make time for the good stuff… you! I know how it feels to experience the guilt trips and the disappointment of “I was going to but….”. Putting what matters to you NEEDS to be front and center. It’s not just about squeezing in a workout; it’s about prioritizing your wellbeing, health, and happiness. Make time less for the unnecessary and embrace your essential wants and needs. You will be giving a big, bold shout-out to self-care. I know you’re tired of watching your workout goals play hide-and-seek, so let us get ready to make time for the things that truly light you up. It’s time you make those efforts into creating the better, happier, healthier you!

 

Written by:

Dan Aquino – ASFA-CPT

 

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How toxic is your plastic?

How toxic is your plastic

How Toxic is your Plastic?

How toxic is your plastic?

We have all heard how plastic is bad for our health and hurts the environment, so why do we still use it without thinking twice? Yes, it’s quick, easy and cheap. Glassware is more expensive and needs to be washed. That little extra work and money can go a long way for you and your child’s health. Not to mention a less wasteful world to live in. Lets break down the most popular plastic products and how they affect your health.

 

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE or polyester)

Uses: Bottles (water, soft drink, juice, beer, wine, mouthwash, salad dressing), peanut butter/jam jars, oven-ready and microwaveable meal trays.

Toxicity: PET may release antimony. Antimony trioxide is used as a catalyst and flame retardant in PET. The longer a liquid is left in a PET container, the greater the potential for release. Warm temperatures inside cars, garages, and enclosed storage areas may increase the release of antimony into the liquid. Antimony trioxide is considered a possible carcinogen.

Personal Trainer Suggestion: To be on the cautious side you want to avoid this one whenever you can. Especially if you think the bottle or container may have been exposed to any type of heat. A great alternative would be a glass or stainless steel water bottle or container.

 

High density polyethylene (HDPE)

Uses: Plastic bags (grocery), opaque milk, water containers, juice containers, bleach, detergent bottles,  shampoo bottles, garbage bags, dishes, yogurt tubs, margarine tubs, cereal box liners, and some medicine bottles.

Toxicity: This type of plastic is relatively stable, making it a slightly safer plastic for food and drink use, although some studies have shown that it can release an endocrine disruptor nonylphenol (added to HDPE as a stabilizer). This is especially true when exposed to sunlight.

Personal Trainer Suggestion: Although this plastic is relatively safer for food and drink we would still suggest making the switch to glass or stainless steel bottle/containers. No need to take a chance with the possibility of release of endocrine disrupting chemicals.

 

Polypropylene (PP)

Uses: Food containers (ketchup, yogurt, cottage cheese, margarine, syrup, and take-out), medicine containers, straws, bottle caps, Brita filters, Rubbermaid and other opaque plastic containers, including baby bottles.

Toxicity: A relatively stable plastic, making it a slightly safer plastic for food and drink use, although it has been shown to release plastic additives (such as the stabilizing agent oleamide) when PP labware was used in scientific experiments.

Personal Trainer Suggestion: Relatively safe as long as you aren’t doing any lab experiments 😉

 

Polystyrene (PS) or Expanded PS (EPS)

Uses: Styrofoam food containers, egg cartons, disposable cups and bowls, take-out food containers, deli food plates and disposable cutlery.

Toxicity: PS food containers can release styrene, which is considered to be a human carcinogen and a brain and nervous system toxicant. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on genes, lungs, liver, and the immune system. Note that styrene is also present in second-hand cigarette smoke, off-gassing building materials, and car exhaust. The release of styrene from PS containers into food is increased when the food or liquid is hot and oily.

Personal Trainer Suggestion: Try to avoid this one as much as possible as it can release the brain and nervous system toxin styrene. Opt for reusable plates (stainless steel or ceramic) and utensils (stainless steel or bamboo) when having a picnic or eating at work. Try to bring a reusable container to restaurants for take-out or transfer the food over to a glass container as soon as you get home.

How Do I Know Which Type of Plastic I’m Using?

Just check the packaging, bottle or container you are using for one of the symbols listed below. The initials on there will tell you exactly which one it is. We only listed the most popular ones in this article, you may find different initials, we will put out another article soon about the rest of them 🙂

Conclusion

Polypropylene (PP) seems to be the most safe type of plastic if we had to pick one. Although we would still highly suggest making the switch to glass or stainless steel bottles, containers, and utensils to prevent the possibility of absorbing any harmful chemicals from these plastic products. Better safe than sorry 🙂

Written By:

Robert Jost

NSCA-CPT, ACE-CPT

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Barefoot training

How to Properly Transition to Barefoot Training

As we stated in our last article the transition to barefoot shoes should be gradual! Many people have movement pattern issues that need to be addressed prior to making the transition. This will reduce the risk of injury and keep you moving toward your goals!

Barefoot training

Common Movement Pattern Issues

Tight Ankles

This is one of the most common movement issues we see. Tightness in your ankles is typically from over-active calves and an under-active anterior tibialis (shin muscle). This will greatly reduce your dorsiflexion (your ankle bending forward).

Weak Hips

Weakness in your hips typically leads to your knees collapsing in and aids in your arches collapsing as well. This will come from weakness in your hip abductors and over-activity in the adductors.

 

Flat/Weak Arches

Almost everyone nowadays has flat feet. No matter if you’re born with it or have developed them over the years they can be strengthened! Just like any other dysfunction in the body it is a muscle imbalance of tight muscles and weak muscles. The right exercises can help bring balance back to your arch.

 

Tight Big Toe

When your range of motion (especially extension) in your big toe is reduced it will kill your balance and reduce your power when pushing off your foot. This is usually caused by your shoes squishing all your toes together. This not only causes bunions but will also greatly reduce the function of your big toe.

 

 

How To Improve Ankle Mobility

How To Improve Hip Stability

How To Improve Arch Stability

How To Improve Big Toe Extension

These exercises are a great start to increasing your mobility and stability. Once these exercises have been mastered, next you can transition to barefoot shoes in your daily activities. Start with walking, then progress to light jogging and eventually running. The transition should be slow!! Depending on the person this could take up to 6 months for a full and strong transition. Unsure if you’re ready for the transition? A movement specialist can assess you and ensure a proper program is established!

 

Written By:

Robert Jost

NSCA-CPT, ACE-CPT

 

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Shoes and Performance

Could Your Shoes Be The Cause of Foot Dysfunction and Decreased Performance?

 

 

Foot Health and Your Performance

Typically the feet are a forgotten body part when it comes to training but the health of your foot can be one of the most crucial aspects in how well you perform on the field or ice.  Also the type of shoe you wear while training can play a huge role.

Types of Shoes

Shoes and PerformanceThere are a ton of different types of shoes out there nowadays. You have running shoes, walking shoes, training shoes, basketball shoes, hiking boots, casual shoes, dress shoes and the list goes on. Why is there a different shoe for every little thing I do in life? For the most part the shoe companies are just trying to make money so they will “create” a shoe for every possible task in life. But aren’t our feet supposed to naturally do all of these tasks anyway? Yup…and BAREFOOT at that!

Foot Anatomy

 

 

Our feet are amazingly strong (or at least supposed to be) and they have one of the highest sensory outputs in the entire body! They contain 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments per foot!! So why in the world would we drown them and cover them with big bulky shoes that weaken our feet and reduce their sense of touch?

 

How The Feet Function

The feet have so many functions that can affect performance. The big toe is vital in how well you push off your foot. During activities such as sprinting this can make or break your explosiveness. The mobility of the ankle joint has a huge effect on your performance as well. Efficient dorsiflexion can help improve your speed and explosiveness by allowing your foot to act like a spring. Every time you hit the ground, your foot will propel you forward instead of pounding straight into the ground. This will limit the pressure on your joints and increase your body’s energy efficiency.

How Your Shoe Can Hinder Foot Function

Many shoes now have a raised heel so you’re walking around on this thick platform reducing your feel of the ground. The front of the shoe which is called the toe box is typically very narrow leading to the toes getting squished together. These two popular designs in shoes cause huge problems for your foot health and ultimately your performance. As stated above big toe push off and ankle mobility are vital to optimal foot performance. The raised heel can change your posture, how you stand, walk and run. This can lead to a heel striking running pattern.  Increasing your risk for hip, knee and foot pain as well as decreased performance. Squishing your toes into narrower toe boxes will lead to lack of mobility and dysfunction of your big toe reducing power and explosiveness.

 

The Culprits

These are many of the most popular shoes “designed” for running, training and hiking. But wait….aren’t my feet already designed to do all of these things? Why do I need a specially designed shoe with extra support to help? All that extra support is like a cast for your foot, although it’ll feel better in the short term limiting any pain you have from your feet or hips being weak. In the long term you are actually just making the problem worse by reducing the movement of the hundreds of joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments in your feet. This will atrophy the muscles and stiffen the joints leading to more pain, dysfunction and potential injury.

 

“Barefoot” Options

Some may say the barefoot options are silly looking or not fashionable.  Walking around dysfunctionally (which is visibly noticeable) and knowingly creating weak and painful feet sounds a lot more silly and unfashionable to me 😉 These shoes can wake up the sensory processors of the feet leading to huge changes in posture, function, performance and pain relief!

 

The transition to barefoot shoes must be gradual! Proper ankle mobility, arch strength, and hip stability are all musts before adding in barefoot wear to your workouts and outdoor adventures! Stay tuned, next week we’ll break down the most common movement pattern issues and how to get yourself strong enough to start transitioning to your new “barefoot” lifestyle!

 

Written By:

Robert Jost

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