Footwear for Fitness

We should really have different footwear for different types of training and I'll go through what's best for different activities.

Weightlifting

For weightlifting we want to be as stable as possible. Stability comes through the ground, our feet, ankles and all the way up through our body. If the ground we're on is unstable we wobble, we fall and lifting weight is dangerous. So the next link up, our feet, also follows the same rules. If what we wear on our feet is unstable... we wobble, we fall and lifting weight is dangerous.

So bearing this in mind, what kind of shoes are the best to lift in?

Flat and firm soled shoes are best suited to weightlifting. We want to have an unbroken surface area, flat and firm soles, something to feel strong against the ground with.

I wear Lonsdale Leyton shoes. They're nothing special, cheap and cheerful. Comfortable? Yes. Flat and firm soles? Yes.

There's loads of great shoes out there, I'd get some awesome Nike ones but I'm a cheapskate. There are also some great specialized weightlifting shoes coming out, Romeleos and adipowers. These are specifically designed for weightlifting and even give a solid higher heel for those of us with poor ankle mobility. 

Some people like to lift barefooted which I also do enjoy sometimes, but you must put safety first in a gym environment, lots of heavy things being thrown about means please do protect yourself as much as you can.

Running

There are different thoughts on footwear for running. Some people believe a minimal shoe which basically gives the soles of your feet protection and that's it is the best. However, I personally believe that with the impact of running; your feet, ankle joints and knee joints all need a bit more protection. Always go with a proper running shoe, breathable material on top with a 'spongy' heel and sole. It's definitely worth spending a little more money on running shoes, you can't really put a price on healthy joints. 

The running shoes I have are Nike Pegasus 32's, they're really comfortable to run in and give me all the proper protection.

Most specialist running shops, or even some mainstream sport shops, now have treadmills in which measure various things about your gait and running style. They can match you up with the best shoe possible for you.

Thanks for reading! I hope this post has been helpful for you, if it has please do subscribe to the blog and follow me on all the social media stuff. Instagram @neverforgottenfitness & Twitter @NF_Fitness. 

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Safety First

Hey guys & gals,

There's been a lot of awful things happening around the Colchester area recently. It's pushed safety to the forefront of my mind. We all have goals and need to train to reach them, but don't forget about your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

I've put together a few pointers to have a think about, whether your out for a cycle, jog or run.

Does anyone know I'm out?

If you're popping out for a jog, let someone know! A family member or flat mate, even a neighbor, if someone knows that you're out then they'll notice if you're not back and alert the proper authorities. Even if there's no one in your immediate area who can tell there'll always be someone you can text. Text a friend and let them know you're going out for a jog and text them when you arrive home safely, even facebook or tweet someone, just as long as there's a record.

Am I visible?

Be bright! Bright safety fitness clothes are available almost everywhere these days, make use of them. Make yourself distinguishable, a bright yellow arm band, wrist band, or a running top or t-shirt.  These are important so people can notice you, motorists, cyclists and general passers by.

This is my running top which I got from the Aldi in Colchester near St. Butolph's, dead cheap and actually really comfy, warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer.

Try not to go out running too late. I know we live in a free world, and in theory, a 'safe' country, and compared to the rest of the world, yeh, I'd be inclined to agree. But currently in Colchester it's just far too risky to be running late into the night, try to avoid running at night all together if you can. If you can't avoid it, then take extra heed of the advice in this post.

Am I enough aware?

It's very easy to get lost in your own thoughts or your music when out for a run. But remain aware of your surroundings, to quote a bit of Ross from Friends 'Oonagi'... You know what I mean! If you have your music up too high can you hear the traffic around you? Could you hear a warning shout?

Can you see all around you and where you're heading? Stay away from shaded or dark areas where you can't quite see everything you need.

Know where you're going. Plan out your route before you go! Might seem an obvious one, but the amount of people I know who just... run, and then hope to end back where they started. For one, it's good to know how far you're running anyway for progressions sake, but it also means you won't find yourself lost and far from home.

Safety in numbers

Run with a friend. Find a friend or friends to run with or join a running group. There's safety in numbers, you're much less likely to be attacked if you're not alone. Plus you have the added bonus that someone has always got your back. If you fall and sprain your ankle, pull a muscle or get major cramp there's someone there to pick you up or get help.

Don't be a target...

It's great that you've got new Beats headphones and a new iPhone, but wear them out running, on your own? You're a target. It's sad, but that's how it is right now. Try to steer clear of wearing fancy new gear and gadgets if you're on your own.

To sum up

Your fitness is hugely important, but more so is your safety. Be safe, be aware.

This isn't meant to be a post to scare you, it's just to try and make you a bit more aware.

Thank you for reading.

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