Sunday, August 8, 2010

Are you wearing "HIGH-HEEL SNEAKERS"?

LifeStyle Fitness Today

by
Bobby Morrow
A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist
The "Corrective Exercise Specialist" studies I've been working on have been intense...but very exciting!
I've learned so much more than the "usual" anatomy, kinesiology, and bio-mechanics of Personal Training.  I've actually learned how it is all tied together and how one malalignment
(structural challenge) can set off a list of ailments along the kinetic chain.
What this means is that just because you are feeling discomfort in your
low-back, for instance, doesn't mean that's where
it's actually originating.  It could actually be starting in your feet, or even in your shoulders!  Really fascinating stuff!!
So to pass on some info that may be helpful right away, let's talk about shoes (feet actually).
I'm as guilty (if not more so) as anyone for purchasing my footwear based primarily on looks and style, and also on the (false) idea that they
are what I "should" be wearing.  I usually choose "running" shoes, and very seldom do any actual running.   If you'll look at the examples below, most "running shoes"
are built with a "high" heel which is designed to help absorb the extra impact of running...and is quite obvious once you look at them.
  What is not so obvious is that most of the more popular (and expensive) brands also have a higher raised arch, again to help absorb the impact of running.
Wearing those shoes when not running, can place our feet in a rolled out position (supinated), and along with the raised heel which shortens the calf muscle
and restricts dorsiflexion (which is our ability to lift our toes to push off when walking) ,  puts us more at risk for ankle injury (due to tension on the calf, and Achilles tendon, etc while tilted outward)...and even more amazingly places us in a position for knee, 
hip, low-back, neck, and even shoulder issues!!  

                     Pronated  (rolled in)         Normal       Supinated (rolled out)

If you are experiencing any symptoms (chronic pain, or long-term soreness) in any of the areas listed above, a good place to start looking could
be at the shoes you wear (your feet)...a chat with your foot doctor,
or Orthopedic Surgeon may be in order. 

 Statistics tell us that the majority of folks actually have feet that are
mildly to excessively pronated (flat feet, rolled inward) which of course
 throws the knee inward and out of alignment, then the hip, low-back, etc.
So, when changing to a lower heeled shoe to take care of the shortened
calf muscles, you may also need to check with your foot Doctor or Orthopedic
Surgeon to receive custom orthotics (arch supports) to support your arches.

I've shown some alternative shoe choices below with less of a raised heel or raise arch, including "cross-trainers",
"tennis shoes" and even "skateboard shoes"...and trust me there are many "stylish" choices out there!
I'm excited about being able to help folks find some relief from
chronic structural issues as well getting fit, trim, and healthy!
If I can be of any help to you, just let me know...and remember
a free consultation is still available!
 
Continued Health, Fitness, and Pain-Free LifeStyle...
BobbyM
(336)425-9755

Below are some typical "Running Shoes"
(check out the "heels" on them):
Next are some "Cross-training" Shoes
(be careful though, many have high heels also):


Now, your basic "tennis shoe":
 

And even "skateboard style shoes" have much less heel
with the sole being even from heel to toe: