Creating Intelligent Feet (Rule #2 & 4)

Western society for the most part frowns upon going barefoot in public for health and safety reasons, but benefits of going barefoot have long been known by many cultures around the world. For most of us, shoes fit a purpose and we do not often think about how they impact our health -we are more concerned with how they look or if they will keep our feet dry and warm. Our bodies have become accustomed to the support and protection of shoes so much, that recent studies have proven shoes may actually be causing more health problems for many as they create lazy feet and shutoff our feets ability to "learn". As an avid "barefooter" at home and outdoors during the seasonally appropriate months, I was thrilled to see Vibram Five Fingers come on the market as an alternative to safely and legally go barefoot anywhere. It took me a few months to commit and take the leap, but when I did in January, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. I have suffered from mild plantar faciitis and knee/hip/low back issues for years. I have tried different shoes for exercise and running. Have been fit for orthotics by 3 different Physical Therapists and Podiatrists and visit the chiropractor regularly for a tune-up to my active body, but nothing seemed to really do the trick. For 9 months now I have been wearing the Five Fingers, not exclusively, but regularly for everything from working out in the yard and walking around town to workouts at the gym and running outdoors. They take time to get used to, and the recommendations on the Five Fingers website should be taken to heart, but I am now convinced that the majority of the issues I have had the past 16 + years was due to my body not being able to move as it naturally wanted to within the confines of shoes. My feet feel better and that has translated to by knees, hips, and low back! Now...I also incorporate a regular regime of Yoga, Myofascial Release techniques with the Trigger Point Technologies kit, and Movement Preparation techniques prior to exercise or strenous outdoor activites which are definitely a contributor to my success. If you are considering giving the Five Fingers a try, check out their website to learn more.