Barefoot Runners Cannot Remain Bare in the Gym

Barefoot Runners Cannot Remain Bare in the Gym

According to editor Anjali Athavaley, many health clubs do not allow members to go barefoot for health and safety reasons. Dr. Alan Adler, a 59 year old Detroit dentist, prefers to run without shoes on the treadmill and has been caught numerous times in health clubs running barefoot. Jason Carrell, the operator, of gym Fitness 19, says “If someone were to drop a weight on their toe, and they don’t have their shoe on, their toe is going to explode”. Many fellow patrons who prefer wearing shoes also find the act to be distasteful. “It was just a big, hairy dude with his big, hairy feet, clomping along beside me. I just felt like that was an unnecessarily excessive human skin transfer” commented Hanna Brooks Olsen in regards to watching a fellow gym member run on the treadmill without shoes.

Allowing your body time to adjust properly to barefoot running is essential, and part of this preventative care involves talking to a podiatrist like Dr. Michael Wynn of Foot Care Associates of Texas, P.A.  Dr. Wynn will diagnose any foot conditions you may have as well as provide you with a range of treatment options.

Barefoot Running

The Impact of Barefoot Running

- Running without shoes changes the motion of your running, as most running is done by landing on the heel of the feet.
- Running barefoot requires a different way of running; the landing is done on the front part of the feet.

The Advantages of Barefoot Running

- When running and landing on the front feet, the impact on the feet and ankle is reduced, this can reduce stress injuries.
- It strengthens muscles in the feet and ankles and the lower legs.
- Balance of the body is improved and there is a greater sensory input from the feet to the rest of the body.

The Drawbacks of Barefoot Running

- No protection while running, makes it likely that runners will land on sharp objects and scrapes, bruises and cuts on the feet will result.
- Blisters may form.
- Possibility of plantar fascia problems.
- Risk of getting Achilles tendonitis.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office, which is located in Kingwood, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read the full article on Barefoot Running.


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