At the end of Part 2, I posed the following questions:
1. Are you wearing the cushioned, supportive, stabilizing shoes because you want to, or are you wearing them because you have to?
Were you steered toward a specific shoe to help with foot pain? Did you see a particular advertising that pushed you towards a specific brand? Did you pick a pair of shoes based on look, performance, or proposed use? Or there may not even be a specific reason for the shoes that are on your feet, but should there be?
Ailments such as Bunions, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Tender Feet, Poor Balance, and Heel Spurs cause people to look for quick solutions to their problems to alleviate pain and discomfort. I definitely don't disagree with that. You should find shoes that help you function better and experience less pain right now. But the quick solutions often only offer short term palliative care, and very rarely offer long term solutions to the actual problem that caused the symptoms. Shoe choice, weakness in the feet, ankles and core, and lack of stimulation of the soles of the feet are a few of the actual culprits that can lead to the ailments above.
Healthy, strong feet can comfortably wear just about any type of shoe, provided there is actually enough room inside the shoe for the feet. If you find that you can only wear certain types of shoes, you may be one of the vast majority who would benefit from really focusing on building stronger feet. We at Fit-Rx are always concerned not only about the "you" today, but also about the "you" 20 years from now. Believe me, the you 20 years from now will thank you for strengthening your feet today!!!
2. What could you envision to be the benefits of strengthening the feet, rather than enabling them to stay weak? (as it pertains to balance, confidence, mobility, comfort)
My question in response to that question is "Would you rather die in slippers or hiking boots? Harsh question, but to die in hiking boots means that you got to golf, fish, play with grandkids, volunteer and stay active. You got to LIVE your life. Feet that are not optimally strong increase fall risk, decrease confidence, decrease mobility, decrease freedom and independence, limit activity, and limit life opportunities. Let's get those feet strong!!!
Live Workshop!
Join us on Saturday, April 29 at 10:00am to explore new products and to learn foot strengthening techniques! This workshop is FREE, but you do need to register to attend as the class size is limited to 20 (I can open another class at 11:00am if needed). Based on the teachings of Dr. Emily Splichal, Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, I will show you specific exercises to strengthen the feet, as well as discuss several products that we highly recommend for optimal foot and ankle health. Hope to see you there!
If you are unable to attend, please click the links below to view the exercises.
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