Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Finding the Shoe for You

You've taken the first step and made the commitment to workout. Kudos! To get started on the right foot, you've got to find the perfect workout shoe (pun intended!).

The foot is complex - you have 26 bones, over 30 joints, and more than 100 ligaments, muscles and tendons to protect in each foot. That's why nothing else kills a workout buzz faster than foot pain.

Here are a few items to keep in mind when searching for your perfect pair:

Arch Support: Look for a shoe that will provide a good foundation, i.e. arch support. Whether your arch is small or large, your foot needs proper support. A shoe's arch support protects the arch, while restoring the foot's structure to its natural position. Insoles can also be purchased to enhance a shoe's existing arch support.

Heel Cushion: During a workout, we tend to put undue pressure and stress on our feet, in particular the heel. To prevent this common injury, look for a properly cushioned heel. If you find a pair that fits perfectly but doesn't provide enough cushioning, consider buying padded inserts, which will help protect the heel.

Workout-Specific Shoes: If you rely on resistance training to stay in shape, you have several shoe options. But if you're an avid aerobics junkie, you'll want to invest in a pair of aerobic shoes, which are designed to absorb the shock and impact caused by aerobic exercises. And, runners need to look into running-specific shoes.

If you have questions or find yourself lost in the shoe aisle, speak to a store representative or do a bit of online research before heading to the store.

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