WHY GO BAREFOOT RUNNING

Barefoot Running The Three Reasons

The main debate only discusses whether we should wear trainers or not, however, this totally misses the point. There are three fundamental reasons why barefoot running is so important and they are discussed here, Starting with the most important which is proprioception

1  Proprioception

2  Earthing  (A bi-product of Barefoot Running)

3  Natural running is Barefoot Running

      Proprioceptions  This Is Why This Elephant Can Do This

The proprioceptive system (or 6^th sense) is a series of contact points in our joints, muscles, tissue and skin that send feedback to our brain about what we are doing and where we are. With this information the brain produces a body pattern that is perfect for our situation.

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Many of these points are in our feet, which is obviously the main body part touching the ground. If for any reason incorrect signals are sent back to the brain, then the movement pattern produced by the brain would be different from what is required.

You can see why wearing thick shock absorbing soles would totally distort the feedback to the brain which would result in a pattern that could cause potential injury to the body, and that is the reason why more injuries occur with runners wearing trainers.

CLICK HERE For Correct Barefoot Running Technique

Our feet have developed into an incredible instrument which has a vital job in helping the brain produce the right movement patterns so that we can function efficiently and without injury

The reason are bodies can jump, skip, run, throw, sit down and stand up, without us even thinking about it is because of proprioception, which is our body knowing its balance, movement and position without us even being involved.

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YOUR FOOT

As the foot is such a vital part in the body’s sensory protection system, why were shoes ever used?

The reason is that in its soft state it cannot cope with the natural terrain without a covering.

The surfaces in deserts and forests and with extreme temperatures meant that protective covers were required, i.e leather and fur etc. This has developed into the shoe, so in fact it was evolution.

When one thinks about it, all animals that run have also developed foot protection, either pads or hooves. However we  were designed to hold and climb and have the proprioceptors, glands and skin that are soft. So barefoot activity is incredibly important.

It is true that it is not necessary to run, any form of barefoot contact is important. However, with barefoot running you have the opportunity to benefit from all the three reasons mentioned in this article.

It would be very difficult to transition directly to barefoot, that is why minimalist shoes are an important option

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The Affect If Your Feet Are Restricted, I would be surprised if anybody did not agree with the following statement:

That running barefoot helps your feet become stronger and is the natural running method. Running in cushioning, motion-controlled footwear is like having your neck in in plaster for a month — when you take the plaster off, your throat muscles would be weak. The effect of movement restriction on your feet affects all your lower limbs and joints. No wonder all kinds of injuries are recorded

CLICK HERE For How To Choose And Use Minimalist Shoes

                     Earthing

Connection To The Earth

I was aware that the Tree Stance in Chi Kung was considered to be the most important basis for the whole practice of Chi Kung and is also a key part in Tai Chi.Additionally, the mountain pose in Yoga is a very important linking exercise between the asanas. So for thousands of years it has been a known fact that connecting with the earth was essential for increasing the well being and performance of the human body.

I knew this to be the case, however, it was with great delight that I discovered that western science is now certain of the tremendous health benefits of barefoot activity for the human body. When one walks barefoot in the grass or by the sea you feel really good and that is because you are making a direct connection with the earth.  But in our daily lives it seems very difficult to make this barefoot connection.

There are very clear physical and scientific reasons why we feel good and science has clearly confirmed this. We have a powerful electrical connection to the Earth and you will be  amazed how this affects every aspect of  your well being. There is more information on how you can benefit at

CHECK OUT Grounding At This Link



This video gives an overview of how important Earthing is for us.

For you Marathon runners out there the Tour de France is far and away the toughest sporting event on earth, comparable to running 3 marathons a day for 22 days, I am sure you would be interested to see how important earthing is to the doctors and riders involved in the tour de france This video show that advanced sports scientist recognize how valuable the earthing connection is, and this video shows it in use on the riders in the Tour de France

This final video is from an eminent heart surgeon how clearly explains the tremendous experiences he has had using the earthing technology

Natural Running

Barefoot Running Those Against

It appears to me that those against barefoot running have two main Issues

The first is that to transition too quickly from normal trainers either to barefoot running or minimalist shoes could cause you problems. I think they are perfectly correct, and I do not know any barefoot running supporters who would think otherwise.

The second point is that an uncovered foot is prone to injury from objects on the ground. I think that is also correct, but the fact is that the very act of barefoot running, means you will naturally concentrate far more on the ground, so you would avoid anything that might damage your foot, see

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Another major factor is that until someone has fully transitioned to barefoot running they would not be receiving all the benefits of barefoot running.

So I think the main question to be asked is, how many barefoot runners who have transitioned , wish to go back to running in trainers ? and the answer to that is that I have never heard of anyone !!

7 Benefits of Barefoot Running

1.) Increased circulation and blood flow.

Problems with varicose veins? When your blood is flowing more efficiently it balances your temperature and helps out with blood related problems such as varicose veins. Your feet would be warmer in the winter and keep cool in summer. Your foot is totally restricted inside a shoe. It cannot rotate, flex or bend. When not in a shoe your foot move more three dimensionally and are having a great workout. As your feet move more and get stronger they need more blood and that is received from the body.  Also by becoming stronger they can obviously cure any foot condition that have been causing problems.

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

2.) Better balance.

We have a much better connection to the ground when barefoot or in minimalist shoes, This means with proprioception the brain is receiving the right stimuli to handle our run and any challenges such as cracks or potholes in the road.I am sure we’ve all been caught out by pebbles or the odd pothole, especially in grass. So better balance is vital When were barefoot our increased awareness means the connection between our feet and brain works well, just as it should.To trip or fall could be dangerous, i.e you could twist an ankle and I am sure we are all concerned about that, but with this extra awareness the risk is much lessened.

3.) Decreased impact.

Increased contact with the ground means you won’t strike with heels but with the balls of your feet, this will reduce the impact on your joints and muscles. All you need to do is walk down the street with shoes and then take them off and walk, you will notice a massive immediate difference. When we feel the ground we naturally step lighter, this once again reduces impact on our joints. I have not run in shoes for years, but the latest stats show that running in shoes with a heel strike massively increases the pressure on joints but with barefoot running that pressure is not their at all

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4.) Increased muscle tone.

Without shoes your body has to balance itself, to do this it uses your core muscles your abs and back. This action will strengthen the whole of your midsection. Your legs will have to support you rather than shoes. This extra work will give you symmetrical strength and better tone and your balance will improve.  Also your calves will improve dramatically because of the amount of work needed for barefoot running

5.) Healing injuries.

We have heard many times how people had so many injury problems their running was very difficult or even that they had stopped.  It was the same for me.  Many now run pain free and without injury after going barefoot.

People have had shin problems, weak ankles, problems with plantar fasciitis, ACL tears in the knee, yet they are now running ok without these problems, It would seem that barefoot running is a must if this is the result.

6.) Stronger feet.

Any form of barefoot activity will strengthen the muscles in your lower legs and feet. Barefoot Running will also straighten out your toes and reduce aching in the evening after a long day. The feet will gradually reform as they were meant to be, before all those years in a restrictive box.(shoe) Your foot will change into the healthy pain free version it was meant to be. The result of all this is that you will have better posture

7.) Feel Great

Many studies have shown that regular exercise reduces anxiety, depression and stress, while at the same time making you feel much brighter and increasing your self esteem, this is commonly known as runners high! It has been quite clearly proven that barefoot activity can reduce your blood pressure and stress hormones (cortisol)  However, I don’t think we really needed science to show us this, every runner feels the benefits every time they run.

CLICK HERE For Barefoot Running Beginner Video Series

     
          
      A Common Sense Approach To 
 

                 

             Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Technique

The Importance of a proper Transition To Barefoot Running cannot be overstated.

Their is no doubt that if you switch to quickly, you can cause yourself injury.

The debate obviously rages about barefoot running, however, all the reports seem to be based on people just switching, not on experienced barefoot runners.

CLICK HERE: To See The 3 Reasons For Barefoot Running

To me, this is like giving someone a course of medicine and expecting it to work the same day !!

For myself personally, the benefits to me of barefoot running have been amazing, I have had no injuries since I switched and that is about 8 years ago.

We are talking here about the actual act of barefoot running, however, their is no doubt that the act of connecting directly to the earth has even more powerful benefits for us, and I will be explaining that in far more detail.

This Video Explains the Key Points Of This Post

                                         

CLICK HERE To See the Above Video On Youtube

     
    I Would Suggest The Following:

1. Try running without shoes or with minimalist shoes just for a couple of minutes on a hard surface.

If you run regularly just add this run on to the end of your normal run. If you are not a runner, just run for a few minutes because your body has to build up in the normal manner for running.

It is important to run on hard surfaces at the beginning, because it will help your form and give your body good feedback.

Run as lightly and quietly as possible and try to land on your forefeet or mid feet..I discuss form below

2. Gradually increase the time you run without footwear (or with minimalist shoes). Just a a couple of minutes extra every time you go running. Go slowly don't try to run hard. Keep running gently, working on striking the ground softly. Try various surfaces, road, concrete, normal grass and dirt surfaces. You will notice your body adjusting and the muscles becoming stronger.

3. Gradually, you will be able to run for short distances barefoot. The distances depend on individual experience, what ever you feel comfortable with, for example, for experienced runners could be 20 minutes, and for a newbie 10 minutes, The main thing is to be comfortable with the distance and let this phase take a couple of months. It’s all about a gradual transition

CLICK HERE: How To Choose And Use Minimalist Shoes

4 Obviously you will soon be able to run barefoot. Your feet and legs get stronger and it feels good, How long this takes is once again to do with the individual, but three months is probably about the right amount of time.

5 I would suggest that when you decide to run barefoot, consider the surfaces carefully. A park or beach area that has a smooth concrete path would be a very good place to start.

Remember, as your feet have been encased in shoes all the time, they are soft and very sensitive, so they wont be able to adjust in a minute it will take a while,

Whatever you do, make sure you pay attention to the surfaces, if you start on pebbles, rough asphalt, or rough concrete or wood, that would be very difficult and hurt a lot.

So patience is the key, go slowly, there is no rush and when a proper transition has been made, it will feel great and you can then enjoy injury free running (as I have) for as long as you like.

CLICK HERE For All Aspects of Barefoot Running Technique

    Some tips on Barefoot Running Form

1 Make sure you keep upright and balanced, with your feet clearly under your hips and shoulders.

2 Try to land on the balls of your feet, this is the best situation. If you strike too often with your forefeet, your calves can get sore.  Be aware not to land on your heels, if you do, the way to correct this is to make your stride shorter.

3 Stay light. You should feel like you’re light on your feet, not pounding at all. Barefoot runners tend to be a little more springy in their step.

4 Focus on trying to run softly, the same as an animal. Runners wearing shoes typically pound the ground.   

5 Your legs should not be extended the same as when you run in shoes, you need to shorten your stride

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

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Barefoot Running Technique     

           This Is What A Damaged Achilles Tendon Looks Like, Make Sure You Know How To Do Barefoot Running And Do Not Risk This!!

The Affect If Your Feet Are Restricted

Latest information has confirmed what the ancients have known all along — that running barefoot helps your feet become stronger and is the natural running method. Running in cushioning, motion-controlled footwear is like having your neck in in plaster for a month — when you take the plaster off, your throat muscles would be weak. The effect of movement  restriction on your feet affects all your lower limbs and joints. No wonder all kinds of injuries are recorded

Video Of Blog Is Below Or CLICK HERE To Go To Youtube

CLICK HERE: To See 3 Reasons For Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running: It Takes Time To Strengthen Your Feet

When you first start running without shoes, your feet will need to strengthen, so take it very gradually. It takes a couple of months for your feet to strengthen and be able to cope with barefoot running. You will be amazed at how strong and durable your feet will become.

For years now, runners (including myself) have been advised that good running shoes were required to prevent injuries!!  So we were told we needed to spend money on quality running shoes to protect ourselves. These running shoes had the appropriate support, and sometimes firm movement control or balance features that were needed, and if you had accidents, you probably had the wrong footwear. My personal experience shows this was not the situation for me.  I know the debate rages about for and against barefoot running, all I would say is you need to check what facts you can and make a decision, I would think it significant that the major shoe manufacturers seem to be marketing minimalist shoes?  So if there was not a case for this, why are they doing that ?

View Barefoot Running Beginners Video Playlist


Does Barefoot Running Make Your Faster?

However, if you think running barefoot will give you more speed,  that is unlikely. Although the possibility of running faster is there, it's about connecting with the earth, enjoying the sensations of direct earth contact, having a sense of running freedom, pain free running and having fun, its not about speeding up

Barefoot Running Trainers - Minimalist Shoes

Their are 4 Considerations for Barefoof running trainers, or Barefoot Running Shoes. The sandal option can be used in good weather, so if you have the right climate this is a great option.

Do you need barefoot minimalist footwear, well No. You can go outside right now and start running without shoes. Although it would be sensible to start on easier surfaces, not pebbles or gravel etc., you would not want to have a difficult barefoot running experience when you first start.

Minimalist footwear would allow you a much easier transition to barefoot running and enable you to learn the mechanic of barefoot running and increase the strength and flexibility of your feet  without the pain.

What is the benefit of using minimalist shoes?  They remove the support and movement restriction of athletic footwear, allowing you to  feel the ground more and enable the foot to move more naturally,  but still give you a barrier against the direct earth and thus protection against pebbles, gravel, roots and anything else your feet are not yet able to cope with.

CLICK HERE : How To Choose And Use Minimalist Shoes

Many people try to switch to barefoot running to quickly and it does not work like that. It can cause discomfort, injury and disappointment. Keep in mind, your legs and lower lower limbs need to be strengthened. You will have a lot of discomfort if you try to switch to barefoot running to quickly, you need time and patience

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

          A Common Sense Approach To 
                    Barefoot Running

I Would Suggest The Following:

1. Try running without shoes or with minimalist shoes just for a couple of minutes on a hard surface.

If you run regularly just add this run on to the end of your normal run. If you are not a runner, just run for a few minutes because your body has to build up in the normal manner for running.

It is important to run on hard surfaces at the beginning, because it will help your form and give your body good feedback.

Run as lightly and quietly as possible and try to land on your forefeet or mid feet..I discuss form below

2. Gradually increase the time you run without footwear (or with minimalist shoes). Just a a couple of minutes extra every time you go running. Go slowly don't try to run hard. Keep running gently, working on striking the ground softly. Try various surfaces, road, concrete, normal grass and dirt surfaces. You will notice your body adjusting and the muscles becoming stronger.

3. Gradually, you will be able to run for short distances barefoot. The distances depend on individual experience, what ever you feel comfortable with, for example, for experienced runners could be 20 minutes, and for a newbie 10 minutes, The main thing is to be comfortable with the distance and let this phase take a couple of months. It’s all about a gradual transition

4 Obviously you will soon be able to run barefoot. Your feet and legs get stronger and it feels good, How long this takes is once again to do with the individual, but three months is probably about the right amount of time.

5 I would suggest that when you decide to run barefoot, consider the surfaces carefully. A park or beach area that has a smooth concrete path would be a very good place to start.

Remember, as your feet have been encased in shoes all the time, they are soft and very sensitive, so they wont be able to adjust in a minute it will take a while,

Whatever you do, make sure you pay attention to the surfaces, if you start on pebbles, rough asphalt, or rough concrete or wood, that would be very difficult and hurt a lot.

So patience is the key, go slowly, there is no rush and when a proper transition has been made, it will feel great and you can then enjoy injury free running (as I have) for as long as you like.

Some tips on Barefoot Running Form

1 Make sure you keep upright and balanced, with your feet clearly under your hips and shoulders.

2 Try to land on the balls of your feet, this is the best situation. If you strike too often with your forefeet, your calves can get sore.  Be aware not to land on your heels, if you do, the way to correct this is to make your stride shorter.

3 Stay light. You should feel like you’re light on your feet, not pounding at all. Barefoot runners tend to be a little more springy in their step.

4 Focus on trying to run softly, the same as an animal. Runners wearing shoes typically pound the ground.   

5 Your legs should not be extended the same as when you run in shoes, you need to shorten your stride

CLICK HERE. And Find Me On Twitter For Any Questions



Q: Are there people who should not be Barefoot Running?

A: Sure their are: click here Good Information From Fitday about who should not be Barefoot Running   I think they have covered all you need to know.

Q  Some runners run through pain, what do you feel about that when barefoot running

A. I don’t think it’s a good idea, pain is a warning sign (I am not talking about aches etc) but pain, is saying go easy!  Listen to your body, better to go slower, if you need a break take it. To injure yourself will not help your barefoot running career


Q: Does running barefoot result in thicker soles over time?

A:  I have been barefoot running for about 8 years 4 or 5 times a week, and in the summer most days, and my soles aren’t what you would say thicker, but they are very tough and pliable. And can resist most stuff I run over, I do not have any thick calluses



Q: What about things like rocks or glass?

A:  Part of barefoot running is the focus that is required, You are continually watching the ground as you run, it does take concentration, but it does become much easier to do. Anything that can cause your feet problems, including rocks or glass! Can be seen and avoided.  
In my years barefoot running, I have had only three incidents, one thorn, and two bits of glass. Both of the glass incidents were my fault.  Glass normally lays flat, if it’s a really big bit, no problem, you can easily see it. The problem is with sharp slivers, which can penetrate the feet. The good news is, they have to be upright to penetrate the feet, which is very unlikely. My incidents were running in rain, on rough terrain, and I did not see the slivers, However, it was easily resolved, my daughter pulled them out with tweezers and all was fine.



Q: Can I run faster with barefoot running?

A:  I would not have thought so, I ran quite well when I ran in trainers, and I do not think I am slower or faster now, about the same, but of course with the benefits, it’s much better for me.
Barefoot running is not about running faster but all the other benefits that we have discussed 



Q: Why do my calves get sore?

A:  Your body is adopting a different form for running, and as with any type of new activity the body will get sore and needs to adjust.
Just go slowly, listen to your body and adjust the amount of barefoot running you do according to how your body responds and you will reduce the soreness until there is none.



Q: What about pain or injures, how have you been affected?

A:  The reason I switched to barefoot running was because of the persistent various injuries I was getting with normal running. Since I switched to barefoot running, The only injury I had was I hurt my hip, but that was because I was not concentrating and fell over, which is nothing to do with barefoot running.

Barefoot Running Is Fun

The fact is Barefoot Running is fun, it’s natural, and for myself and many others, we have experienced pain free running which has given me a really good feeling and great confidence looking forward that I will be able to enjoy running, fitness and health without fear of having to stop because of injury.
Read the disclaimer on my blog, check out the facts for yourself and I wish you all success with barefoot running.

To Conclude, everybody has their opinions and experiences, from the totally pro barefoot running, such as myself, to the totally anti,   I would say read all you can, try it out, continue to experiment, and always be questioning, until you reach the stage that you feel totally happy and confident with your barefoot running,  And most important keep having fun

If our research has helped you to make the right buying decision, the small commission we receive will help us continue our mission to deliver you information that benefits your health and fitness. Your support is very much appreciated.

Read the disclaimer on my blog, check out the facts for yourself and I wish you all success with barefoot running. #BarefootBrucy

Barefoot Running - Connecting To The Earth


We want to share with you how important Earthing is to Health and Fitness and How Barefoot Running is a great solution for Fitness, Getting The Feel Good Factor and getting the Health and Fitness Benefits

CLICK HERE: For Barefoot Running Technique

We will share the facts and scientific evidence

SEE WHAT THE TOUR DE FRANCE SPORTS SCIENTISTS THINK !!

And a good start would be to see why the Sports Scientists that manage the participants in the Tour De France consider this Earth connection a vital part of the daily recovery.. Check this video

Tai Chi Masters have known and used this connection for a 1000 years !!   Could you benefit??

Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter to find out about the link between Barefoot Running / Grounding and Health


CLICK HERE: To See 3 Reasons For Barefoot Running

            Barefoot Running BIO from Brucy

Ok P..As requested...Here’s my Barefoot Running  BIO, including  Barefoot Running In Snow Tutorial

For many years I have been running and for the last 8 years I have been Barefoot Running. I go Barefoot Running almost daily, averaging between 45 mins  and 1hr 15.

CLICK HERE: To See 3 Reasons For Barefoot Running

For many years the disciplines I have practised required outdoor barefoot connection,  so I have been fortunate to benefit from these philosophies

Using the connection with the earth, I have been able to go barefoot  running  in all weathers   I have tested my body in extreme conditions.  For example I am able to consistently run in sub zero temperatures  ( I have run barefoot in minus  -12 c for over an hour)  And as I am almost 64 and a pensioner, this does show that these are indeed powerful, beneficial techniques.

My friends and family have known what I have done, and say  they  feel that they have benefited from trying some of the techniques, that I have shared with them.  I was asked to video a Barefoot Running in the snow tutorial, which I did, and for which you can see here............. 

It has been a shame, to see the benefits of these great techniques that have been practised in other cultures for 1000’s of years not being used for peoples benefit.  However, now Western Science has tested and proven the benefits, it is easier to spread the message.

CLICK HERE: For Barefoot Running Technique

Advanced sports scientists are now very sure of the benefits of Grounding and for example the sports scientists on the Tour de France, consider Grounding  a vital part in the recovery and training of the participants.

For you Marathon runners out there the Tour de France is far and away the toughest sporting event on earth, comparable to running 3 marathons a day for 22 days, so if they benefit, I am sure that you can. Have a look at this video...........

I have been able to help friends and family benefit with their running, health and fitness, they were very pleased and asked me to share it with their friends, so based on that I thought I would share the information with a wider audience, hoping that more people can benefit.

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

Research Costs

 If our research has helped you to make the right buying decision, the small commission we receive will help us continue our mission to deliver you information that benefits your health and fitness. Your support is very much appreciated.