• FreeTrainers.com Forums
• Experienced Exercise
• Working out with shoes off

Group: Experienced Exercise

Working out with shoes off

dvelswk Posts: 192 Joined: 2005/05/07	2005/05/08, 03:49 PM Is this bad? I noticed that I am the only person in the gym that I go to that doesn't wear shoes when they work out. I don't know why, I've just never worn shoes it makes me feel more comfortable. I see a lot of people wearing hiking boots for balance when they do squats and stuff, but is it really that big of a difference? I'm just wondering what you guys do and if it is bad not to wear shoes.
sbroyhill Posts: 442 Joined: 2005/04/06	2005/05/08, 03:59 PM Shoes help support your body and reduce stress in certain parts of your foot, therefore helping you out and preventing injury- Second, it is a very bad idea since there is a lot of metal and weight in a weight room and you could hurt yourself that way. My gym doesnt even allow you to use there gym unless you are wearing shoes--- sandals and barefoot not allowed! -------------- :Hard work equals great results!:
dvelswk Posts: 192 Joined: 2005/05/07	2005/05/08, 04:26 PM The gym I go to is a very small gym (independently owned), and I work there at a desk job (checking people in) so I kind of get away with it as long as I agree not to sue them. But that's besides the point. I see how it would be a bad idea not to wear shoes for the metal and stuff. My main question I guess I should have said earlier, is it possible to tear anything in your foot from not wearing shoes? I see how you can drop stuff on them, but like doing squats or dead lift, can you pull something from not wearing shoes? Thanks for the feedback though sbroyhill, I appreciate all advice :)
Artemis-75 Posts: 208 Joined: 2005/03/25	2005/05/08, 05:23 PM As sbroyhill said - shoes are designed for optimum support. That in mind it is always better to wear shoes while working out. They say on average a human foot sustains enought energy to crush a diamond. Adding weight to your body-weight during a workout only serves to increase the pressure on your feet. I LOVE going bare-foot but never when exercising. BUT - that's only my 2-bits. I'm sure there could be arguments to the opposite position stating that without added support you strengthen the musculature you have... I don't know! All the gyms I'vwe been to require shoes so I would guess there's more to the debate for the pro-side of footwear otherwise the restriction would be opposite! :big_smile:
DX14AG Posts: 1,055 Joined: 2004/07/22	2005/05/08, 06:50 PM I've always wanted to workout barefoot. I just thought that it wouldn't be a good idea DX
sbroyhill Posts: 442 Joined: 2005/04/06	2005/05/08, 06:50 PM It is very possible to strain a muscle or even tear one without shoes- the support helps support you. -------------- :Hard work equals great results!:
	2005/05/08, 06:53 PM I work out at home and rarely wsar shoes. I do wear them on seated calf day. -------------- Dyslexics of the world...UNTIE!!!!!! Charlie
sbroyhill Posts: 442 Joined: 2005/04/06	2005/05/08, 06:55 PM But you are an exception to the rule charlie! You are a genetic superman! :) -------------- :Hard work equals great results!:
DX14AG Posts: 1,055 Joined: 2004/07/22	2005/05/08, 09:06 PM lol of course he is. DX