What is Barefoot?
Ok, time for a little word association. I’ll say a word, and as fast you can, say the first thing that comes to your mind… ready? Set…BAREFOOT
So what came to mind? Let me guess… beach, or summer, or wine [be honest], or “I hate feet”. Yes, sometimes they stink, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, BUT your feet carry you EVERY day, from point A to point B, to get you through this crazy thing called life. That’s a pretty important job.
After hearing [or rather reading] the word Barefoot, did anyone think… health, or fitness, or foundation?
They connect you to the earth, with each step giving and receiving energy from all around you. Yet, for the last ____ years, you’ve had them in shoes. All. The. Time. Especially when you’ve been working out. It’s not your fault. You’ve been told to wear shows when your training. Bottom line, your feet your foundations – built on a strong foundation, you can last forever.
It’s time for a Barefoot revolution!
Now it’s ringing a bell. Barefoot running perhaps, or Barefoot training. Even Nike Free’s, or those fancy shoes that look like this:
So you’ve heard of it, but you still have no idea what, why, when, where, how… Let me break it down for you.
What? Barefoot training is a concept that has been around for a while – think Yoga – but has just recently become more mainstream with all forms of workouts. There are a TON of programs out there to provide people with Barefoot training: PiYo®, Balletone®, willpower & grace® to name a few.
But why? The key concept is that if we have strong, stabile yet mobile feet, it directly translates to the rest of our body, creating a better functioning person! Improve balance, neurological connections, compliment your other training, embrace your Chi (Qi), reduce your risk of injuries… I could go on and on….
When and where? Your in luck! Not to overshadow the wonderful Pilates and Yoga classes [all Barefoot training] offered at H2L, LLC, there is a Barefoot class offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:15am! [Barefoot HIT, Thursdays at 9:30 – more info to follow].
And the how? I can tell you that it starts with foot exercises, and then moves into a functional cardio/strength section, followed by various Pilates/Yoga exercises/postures, throw in a much needed foot massage, and then finish with a relaxing meditation… But, that doesn’t compare to what we actually do in a Barefoot class until you FEEL a Barefoot class.
Disclaimer: No shoes required. Just an open heart and mind.
By Erica, join her for a Barefoot class this week by scheduling here.