A lot of people ask the question, “What are the benefits of running barefoot?” People have discovered that they actually enjoy running without shoes. This has caused a whole new class of footwear to be created that mimics the natural motion of walking and running while maintaining the natural elements of cushioning and protection. The benefits of running barefoot can be compared to those of walking or jogging in socks with shoes on. The motion is much smoother and less stressful on the joints than when you run wearing shoes.
Your feet can easily tell you whether you are in the right position and if it feels fine then you’re in the right position. If it hurts or if you are experiencing any numbness in your foot, you should stop and make sure that it is alright. You should take a minute to evaluate where the pain is coming from and how intense it is. If it is intense then chances are you are running barefoot and the benefits will far outweigh any discomfort you may feel.
Increased Range Of Motion
Another benefit of running barefoot is increased range of motion. You are free to engage your muscles without any limitations. This allows your body to use more muscles and increases your ability to move faster and more efficiently. This also allows your feet more mobility which gives you more options as you run and engages muscles you never knew existed.
Some people claim that barefoot running can help to improve your vertical leap. This is mainly due to the fact that you are engaging all the muscles in your legs and not just your feet that many athletes use. Running barefoot helps you increase your vertical leap because you are working all parts of your body while only doing a small amount of work with your feet. There are even health benefits that have been linked to jumping higher.
Purchase Some Barefoot Running Shoes
So, if this is an advantage then why not take advantage of it. The first thing you need to do is purchase some barefoot running shoes. They don’t have to be anything fancy, as long as they can support you. I recommend spending the extra money and getting a good pair of shoes that have special cushioning for your arch. If you find that your shoes have a little too much cushioning then you can always upgrade to a pair that has less cushioning. Just make sure you know how much support is necessary for you to start running barefoot.
The next step you need to consider is how often you plan on running. If you don’t plan on running very often then you don’t really need to spend the money on high quality shoes. However if you have plans of running several times a week or daily, then you will definitely want to invest in a good pair of shoes.
Feel The Ground As You Run
The benefits of running barefoot includes being more flexible. It gives you more flexibility by allowing you to feel the ground as you run. This allows you to improve your gait and running form which in turn will increase your running speed and performance. The final benefit of running barefoot is that it helps to protect your feet.
There are many benefits of running barefoot. Some people may not like it because they think they will lose their sense of balance but it actually doesn’t happen that way at all. Just like wearing shoes when you run, your feet will eventually adjust to the natural feeling of barefoot walking.
Final Words
Another benefit of barefoot running is that it helps you to reduce injuries. Most people who run on concrete or pavement will experience a little pain in their feet from time to time. Running on barefoot will help reduce that pain and could also prevent future injuries.
