From Dutch Lowry's Site Black Box Strength and Conditioning.
Put your Dancin Shoes on!
Some of you have picked up my subtle hints about footwear in the gym. Today i want to make it public how important these little guys can be.
Your brain is a funny thing. In fact, despite you, it is quite logical. For example, when you trip and fall, you will automatically extend an arm or foot to stop you from face planting. The brain likes to protect itself.
When you look at foot wear and specifically lifting heavy weight, either off the ground or on your shoulders, your brain wants to put your body in the most stable position possible. In running shoes or shoes with lots of cushion, that is usually where the cushion is the smallest. The toe. So as we look at someone squatting with heavy weight you will see lots of instability in feet which translates to every other part of your body. The brain is fighting to find the most stable position which usually ends up being in the toes and as a result puts lots of stress on the knees and hips, unnecessary stress.
When we put something on your feet that is stable and give you a solid platform to stand on, you are able to put your body in a beneficial position to lift heavy weights and stay healthy. In reality, bare feet work as well but the added benefit of an elevated heel will help you stay more upright longer which ends up being a better position to transfer force.
I’m not telling you to go out an buy new shoes but if you find yourself feeling unstable while lifting, don’t be afraid to slip those shoes off and feel the stability of the ground.
Your brain is a funny thing. In fact, despite you, it is quite logical. For example, when you trip and fall, you will automatically extend an arm or foot to stop you from face planting. The brain likes to protect itself.
When you look at foot wear and specifically lifting heavy weight, either off the ground or on your shoulders, your brain wants to put your body in the most stable position possible. In running shoes or shoes with lots of cushion, that is usually where the cushion is the smallest. The toe. So as we look at someone squatting with heavy weight you will see lots of instability in feet which translates to every other part of your body. The brain is fighting to find the most stable position which usually ends up being in the toes and as a result puts lots of stress on the knees and hips, unnecessary stress.
When we put something on your feet that is stable and give you a solid platform to stand on, you are able to put your body in a beneficial position to lift heavy weights and stay healthy. In reality, bare feet work as well but the added benefit of an elevated heel will help you stay more upright longer which ends up being a better position to transfer force.
I’m not telling you to go out an buy new shoes but if you find yourself feeling unstable while lifting, don’t be afraid to slip those shoes off and feel the stability of the ground.
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