Barefoot Elliptical= less pain?

Nysportsred
Nysportsred Posts: 224 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Long story short my wife got an elliptical of her own so she can workout when I do if it happens in a time period where the kids are asleep and we have the free so she she set it up in the gym. She wanted me to try it and I did. I liked it. I went back on mine to see the difference and I ended up staying on for 45 minutes in an impromptu workout.

I wasn't expecting to go on the machine so I was barefoot and didn't stretch. I usually get some thigh cramping, sore muscles, etc when on. This time, being barefoot, I didn't experience the pain. I don't know if it was being barefoot or the fact I didn't stretch which maybe I shouldnt before I work out?

I was just wondering if anyone could help to explain if it was my being barefoot how that might have helped my pain?

Replies

  • stormcrow2
    stormcrow2 Posts: 33 Member
    Being barefoot could absolutely help with pain. It puts your foot in a natural position which then affects your entire body. Minimalist shoes and barefoot running are a thing.
  • Lizarking
    Lizarking Posts: 507 Member
    Yeah. I had ankle/heel pain my entire life until I stumbled across minimalist shoes. After an adjustment period, I'm on like 7 years 100% pain free in that area now.
  • MsMaeFlowers
    MsMaeFlowers Posts: 261 Member
    Yeah I walk on the treadmill at home in my socks. Can't go completely barefoot as the bumps on the belt hurt my feet after a while, but it is definitely more comfortable to walk and run without shoes on.
  • awells5187
    awells5187 Posts: 11 Member
    My elliptical has those bump patterns so I can't go completely barefoot because those hurt after a couple minutes; but I find it's easier in flip flops than my shocks.
  • Nysportsred
    Nysportsred Posts: 224 Member
    awells5187 wrote: »
    My elliptical has those bump patterns so I can't go completely barefoot because those hurt after a couple minutes; but I find it's easier in flip flops than my shocks.

    Mine does too. They don't bother my feet as much, but I know what you mean. My biggest problem is when my feet sweat and they start to slide around. I need to find a way to prevent the sliding.
  • GottaBurnEmAll
    GottaBurnEmAll Posts: 7,722 Member
    edited July 2017
    Changing to minimalist shoes changed my life. I have two forms of arthritis and have had all sorts of joint issues while running and those shoes have made all of them improve exponentially.

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