Getting To Grips With Your Soles
When it comes to workouts, one thing often overlooked is the importance of the right shoe. Choosing adequate footwear isn’t only about style, it’s also about comfort, performance, and most importantly, preventing injuries.
Know Your Foot Type
Before you speed off to purchase a new pair of workout shoes, it’s crucial to know your foot type. Basically, we have three types: flat feet, high-arched feet, and neutral or normal feet. Each type needs a specific kind of support. Don’t know your foot type? No problem—just do the “wet test”. Wet your foot, step on a piece of cardboard, and examine your footprint. Flat feet will leave a full imprint, high-arched feet will leave just the heel and front of the foot, and for neutral feet, you’ll see a natural curve on the inside of your foot.
Choosing The Right Shoe
Now that you know your foot type, it’s time to go shopping. Different types of exercises require different shoes. For running, you need cushioning; for weightlifting, a flat base is key. Cross-trainers are usually a good pick if your routine includes a variety of exercises. Also, remember to take your foot type into account—cushioning for high-arched feet, stability for neutral feet, and motion control for flat feet.
Keep’em Fresh
Replacing your workout shoes regularly is as important as choosing the right pair. These aren’t your regular shoes—they take a beating almost every day. A good rule of thumb is to replace your workout shoes every 300 to 500 miles (which is about 6 to 8 months of use for the average exerciser).
Take the First Step with Westchester Fit
Choosing the right workout shoes can make a huge difference in your routine, but having the right guidance and plan is the most important part of any fitness journey. Ready to make a change? Schedule a No Sweat Intro with one of our coaches. It’s a free consultation where we can help you lay out your fitness path. You can ask us any question—even about workout shoes!
Ready? Let’s go! Get your Free No Sweat Intro today.