Exercising Barefoot?

ShrinkingChelle
ShrinkingChelle Posts: 187
edited October 5 in Fitness and Exercise
So I exercise mostly in my own home and for the most part I do it barefoot, its that a bad thing? Things like workout dvd's I always do barefoot, the elliptical mostly barefoot, treadmill I always wear shoes but besides that is it fine to do it barefoot?

Replies

  • slimkitty
    slimkitty Posts: 418
    Not a bad thing at all. Exercising barefoot is the best thing ever. I always do it and have no problemswith my feet at all. I think exercising barefoot helps your feet get really strong and healthy.
  • patience842003
    patience842003 Posts: 52
    Whenever I exercise without shoes I have problems with my ankles. I've been told never to exercise without support. It may just be me tho.
  • mhig011975
    mhig011975 Posts: 181
    not a bad thing... i wear skeke shoes (sp?) made by filia
  • MrsPeavley
    MrsPeavley Posts: 143 Member
    I have wide feet! I alway do better barefoot! Oh and flatfooted!
  • AZTrailRunner
    AZTrailRunner Posts: 1,199 Member
    I wear my Vibram Five Fingers.
  • AmyG1982
    AmyG1982 Posts: 1,040 Member
    I've read somet things that say its better for you! as long as its not hurting you you're fine. I do everytihng barefoot. exercise bike, dvds, kinect, tredmill. I find it feels more natural.
  • killerqueen17
    killerqueen17 Posts: 536 Member
    For certain exercises it may not be the best, since you don't have arch support... for something like pilates or yoga though, barefoot is ideal. If I do something like 30DS barefoot though, it feels like I'm straining my foot muscles or something... lol
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Depends on your feet! I have super-narrow feet with very high arches and my toes curl under. I can't go barefoot or even wear Five Fingers without significant pain and balance issues. I wear shoes for everything! But other people, with different feet , might do great sans shoes.
  • Yanicka1
    Yanicka1 Posts: 4,564 Member
    When I was dng the 30DS, it was easier on my knees and ankles to be barefoot
  • ShrinkingChelle
    ShrinkingChelle Posts: 187
    I've read somet things that say its better for you! as long as its not hurting you you're fine. I do everytihng barefoot. exercise bike, dvds, kinect, tredmill. I find it feels more natural.

    The treadmill Barefoot scares me lol, not sure why.
  • PROJECTSEINI
    PROJECTSEINI Posts: 4
    I go barefoot as well lol
  • embersfallen
    embersfallen Posts: 534 Member
    I seem to have better balance... when I do Zumba, Turbo, Bellydance... I do far better barefoot on carpet...I have yoga toe socks with little grippers on the bottom I use when I zumba in the gym on hardwood floor...I also have flat feet though, so shoes tend to make my feet VERY uncomfortable when I work out.... when I do my weight training sometimes I wear sneakers so my ankles have some support... :) As long as it's not messing with your feet the rest of your day, I think it would be fine...just go with what your body tells ya... :)
  • PlunderBunneh
    PlunderBunneh Posts: 1,705 Member
    I sure wish I could!! When working out at home I'm barefoot, but that's because I mostly only do floor exercises at home. I have to wear shoes to my treadmill (weak ankle) which makes me super sad, esp right now because I'm in dire need of new running shoes and haven't been using the treadmill as much because of that. I have to wear shoes at the gym :(
  • LillysGranny
    LillysGranny Posts: 431
    I almost always workout barefoot....best thing I ever did for my feet, ankles, knees.
  • Cara2Me
    Cara2Me Posts: 60
    I just got back from a fitness conference and barefoot or minimalist footware was a hot topic. If you ease into barefoot workouts your ankles, knees and hips will strengthen. It has many positive attributes. If going totally barefoot scares you, check out Vibrams Five Finger shoes. They are like gloves for your feet.

    Good luck
  • Moonblood
    Moonblood Posts: 199 Member
    I've been working out barefoot as long as I can remember... don't have any issues. I prefer it to shoes.
  • leomom72
    leomom72 Posts: 1,797 Member
    it may not be too bad, i have heard it isnt good, but i have tried it once or twice, and it felt super weird..i personally cant do it..do what you are most comfortable with..good luck:smile:
  • Apryl546
    Apryl546 Posts: 909 Member
    I love working out barefoot.
    I remember the one time I tried to do my 30 minute workout in shoes, I made it 12 minutes in before I sprained my ankle.
    I haven't worn shoes for working out since. :P
  • mrsmellymac
    mrsmellymac Posts: 236 Member
    For certain exercises it may not be the best, since you don't have arch support... for something like pilates or yoga though, barefoot is ideal. If I do something like 30DS barefoot though, it feels like I'm straining my foot muscles or something... lol


    I tried 30DS barefoot and my feet were hurting 1/2 way through it. Never again! But I do my zumba barefoot...it just depends high/low impact
  • Arabian♥Breeze
    Arabian♥Breeze Posts: 323
    If you have back problem or diabetes its not a good idea. im sure even without those conditions its not a good idea. I been doing it for 5 months lol naughty me hahaha its more comfy lol i now use fuzzy socks lol i just hate shoes!

    take care
  • agl146
    agl146 Posts: 7 Member
    I am so glad that you asked this, I've been wondering the same thing, so I googled it and found this... http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/08/03/should-be-exercising-barefoot/
    YAY!!! We can keep working out barefoot!!!
  • Cara2Me
    Cara2Me Posts: 60
    If you have back problem or diabetes its not a good idea. im sure even without those conditions its not a good idea. I been doing it for 5 months lol naughty me hahaha its more comfy lol i now use fuzzy socks lol i just hate shoes!

    take care



    The Vibrams will protect against infection while still giving you the 'barefoot' feeling. (And I am not a paid spokesperson... LOL)
  • Arabian♥Breeze
    Arabian♥Breeze Posts: 323
    If you have back problem or diabetes its not a good idea. im sure even without those conditions its not a good idea. I been doing it for 5 months lol naughty me hahaha its more comfy lol i now use fuzzy socks lol i just hate shoes!

    take care



    The Vibrams will protect against infection while still giving you the 'barefoot' feeling. (And I am not a paid spokesperson... LOL)


    Ok thanks :)
  • KayteeBear
    KayteeBear Posts: 1,040 Member
    I always workout barefoot. I hate shoes.

    I think it's best if your feet are strong. Wearing shoes means that your feet start using different muscle. Some people who have worn shoes for so long can't even talk around barefoot anymore because it hurts them. Or thinks like being flat footed/high arches/wide/narrow feet, etc all can affect whether or not working out barefoot will work for you.

    I walk barefoot as much as possible. During all of summer and a lot of spring/fall I walk barefoot outside. I was raised on a farm and liked walking barefoot... and now when I'm at a friend's house I NEVER wear shoes outside so barefoot works best for me.
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