Tanya Dutt

Not Wearing The Right Workout Gear? Here's How Going Barefoot Could Improve Your Workout Routine

Not Wearing The Right Workout Shoes? Here's How Going Barefoot Could Improve Your Workout Routine

I vividly remember the first time I worked out with a new pair of sneakers I thought were perfect for the gym. As I started my workout, the pressure on my feet felt slightly off, but I shrugged it off, assuming it was just part of the routine. After an intense leg day, my feet were sore, and I felt a nagging discomfort that didn’t seem to match my usual post-workout exhaustion. That's when a friend mentioned that some gym-goers were ditching their shoes during workouts. 

Skeptical but curious, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, the difference was remarkable—my body felt more stable, and my movements flowed more naturally.

<h2>Does Ditching Shoes give better Results?</h2>

Don’t start stripping down at the gym just yet, but experts say that getting a little less dressed—specifically, removing your shoes—can have some major benefits. It’s not about showing off your curves, but rather giving your feet the freedom to connect with the ground. The trend of going barefoot during workouts isn’t just a post-lockdown habit; it’s supported by podiatrists, trainers, and orthopedic surgeons alike. They advocate for this practice, emphasizing the importance of foot and ankle health in overall <span>fitness</span>.

<h2>What does Science Say about Exercising Barefoot?</h2>

"Going barefoot offers a number of benefits for balance, mobility, and coordination," says Nick Clayton, personal training program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association told Muscle &amp; Fitness. When you go barefoot, your body gets direct feedback from the ground, activating the glutes and core muscles to improve overall stability. This also strengthens the deep muscles that support your feet, leading to improved ankle, knee, hip, and back health.

Functional podiatrist Emily Splichal, D.P.M., explains in a report by Shape, that allowing your feet to make direct contact with the ground can enhance your understanding of your posture and movement. “When you stimulate the nerves of the foot, it helps you better assess how you’re stepping and what you’re standing on, which shapes your overall movement,” she says.

<strong>Boosting Core Stability and Flexibility</strong>

Going barefoot during exercises like squats or deadlifts provides more than just stability. According to Splichal, you gain more core stability when barefoot, which in turn allows you to lift more weight. This heightened stability also helps improve flexibility in your feet and ankles, increasing mobility and making everyday movements easier. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at Ankle and Foot Centers of America, notes that this increased range of motion is particularly beneficial for women looking to improve their fluidity of movement as they age as he told Women’s Health.

Another significant benefit of barefoot workouts is reduced injury risk. Alvarez highlights that barefoot training encourages natural alignment from the feet up, which can improve posture, reduce back pain, and enhance movement efficiency. However, it’s important to gradually transition to barefoot workouts to avoid injury. Dr. Gennady Kolodenker, a podiatrist, told Self and warns that jumping into barefoot training too quickly can lead to stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Building tolerance over time is key to preventing such injuries.

<h2>When to Wear Shoes While Working Out?</h2>

While barefoot workouts can enhance your strength and flexibility, there are times when shoes are essential. If you're lifting heavy weights, it’s best to wear proper weightlifting shoes with hard soles for added stability. Additionally, running outdoors barefoot may expose you to hazards, so it’s wise to wear shoes to avoid stepping on sharp objects or uneven terrain.

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I vividly remember the first time I worked out with a new pair of sneakers I thought were perfect for the gym. As I started my workout, the pressure on my feet felt slightly off, but I shrugged it off, assuming it was just part of the routine. After an intense leg day, my feet were sore, and I felt a nagging discomfort that didn’t seem to match my usual post-workout exhaustion. That's when a friend mentioned that some gym-goers were ditching their shoes during workouts. Skeptical but curious, I decided to give it a try. To my surprise, the difference was remarkable—my body felt more stable, and my movements flowed more naturally.Does Ditching Shoes give better Results?Don’t start stripping down at the gym just yet, but experts say that getting a little less dressed—specifically, removing your shoes—can have some major benefits. It’s not about showing off your curves, but rather giving your feet the freedom to connect with the ground. The trend of going barefoot during workouts isn’t just a post-lockdown habit; it’s supported by podiatrists, trainers, and orthopedic surgeons alike. They advocate for this practice, emphasizing the importance of foot and ankle health in overall fitness.What does Science Say about Exercising Barefoot?"Going barefoot offers a number of benefits for balance, mobility, and coordination," says Nick Clayton, personal training program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association told Muscle & Fitness. When you go barefoot, your body gets direct feedback from the ground, activating the glutes and core muscles to improve overall stability. This also strengthens the deep muscles that support your feet, leading to improved ankle, knee, hip, and back health.Functional podiatrist Emily Splichal, D.P.M., explains in a report by Shape, that allowing your feet to make direct contact with the ground can enhance your understanding of your posture and movement. “When you stimulate the nerves of the foot, it helps you better assess how you’re stepping and what you’re standing on, which shapes your overall movement,” she says.Boosting Core Stability and FlexibilityGoing barefoot during exercises like squats or deadlifts provides more than just stability. According to Splichal, you gain more core stability when barefoot, which in turn allows you to lift more weight. This heightened stability also helps improve flexibility in your feet and ankles, increasing mobility and making everyday movements easier. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at Ankle and Foot Centers of America, notes that this increased range of motion is particularly beneficial for women looking to improve their fluidity of movement as they age as he told Women’s Health.Injury PreventionAnother significant benefit of barefoot workouts is reduced injury risk. Alvarez highlights that barefoot training encourages natural alignment from the feet up, which can improve posture, reduce back pain, and enhance movement efficiency. However, it’s important to gradually transition to barefoot workouts to avoid injury. Dr. Gennady Kolodenker, a podiatrist, told Self and warns that jumping into barefoot training too quickly can lead to stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis. Building tolerance over time is key to preventing such injuries.When to Wear Shoes While Working Out?While barefoot workouts can enhance your strength and flexibility, there are times when shoes are essential. If you're lifting heavy weights, it’s best to wear proper weightlifting shoes with hard soles for added stability. Additionally, running outdoors barefoot may expose you to hazards, so it’s wise to wear shoes to avoid stepping on sharp objects or uneven terrain.