Condition Kettlebell Gym

As most athletes who first meet Delaine and I at Condition Kettlebell Gym have noticed, we wear some pretty funky shoes – that is if we are actually wearing shoes. Well, here is the information you’ve all been asking us for about shoes.

      First, we must start with the basics. In today’s age, shoes are a materialistic accessory that more often than not matches the color of clothing. Thousands of years ago, before the invention of air conditioning, cars, and the light bulb Neanderthals walked the earth BAREFOOT. And so should you! The Neanderthal barefoot approach is significant, because this is actually the most efficient and healthy method of walking and movement for your body. Anatomically, there are 26 bones in the foot and ALL of them should be mobile. When taking a step, the force from the ground starts at the heel and is distributed throughout the rest of the foot and body. If one of the bones in the foot doesn’t move efficiently or is jammed, the force from the ground is altered and the distribution throughout the rest of the body changes. What does this change in force mean for you? Put simply, changes in joint and postural alignment and PAIN! The pain can occur in the knees, hips, and/or lower back, etc.

      So, you can’t walk the streets barefoot and you don’t want immobile and painful joints. Here are some shoe suggestions that will help minimize pain and postural changes and facilitate healthy and mobile joints: 

Nike Free

Puma Alsten

Converse – Chuck Taylor’s

Puma Speedcats

Vibram Five Fingers

Adidas Samba

New Balance 790s

Adidas Chiba

Reebok Driving Shoes 

      These are all athletic shoes that are great options for athletic performance, everyday activities, and even work! If you don’t have any of these shoes in your closet, you should check your current shoes to see if they fit the profile. An easy test is to pick up one shoe and bend the sole. If the sole doesn’t bend with ease, or only in the toe area, you should strongly consider purchasing any of the shoes listed above. Basic things to look for are flat shoes with a flexible sole throughout the entire length of the shoe, which will allow for all the bones and joints in your feet to move freely and efficiently. Also, if you’re puzzled about where to look or all the shoe stores you’ve checked don’t carry the above shoes, trying some of the following websites: 

www.nike.com

www.ebay.com

www.zappos.com

www.eastbay.com

www.vibramfivefingers.com 

      With a fresh pair of flat and mobile shoes you are well on your way to better performance with a more efficient and mobile body! 
 
 

Keep moving, 

Katie Bigelow

RKC Instructor

Z Health Level 4 Trainer

Hello everyone.  It is an exciting time here at Condition! 

First of all, congratulations to our newest RKC, Katie Bigelow, who won the Form and Technique Challenge at the June RKC.  Way to go!

Secondly, we are in the process of getting an Alpharetta location open by the end of August.  We are looking at Old Milton Parkway close to 400, so if you have any suggestions or comments on location they are appreciated!  Just shoot over an email.

 Last but definitely NOT least, Master RKC Brett Jones will be holding a workshop here at Condition this Winter.  More details to come in the next few weeks…

Have a safe Fourth of July weekend!