Shoe help for StrollerFit® moms.

I've recently heard about two moms in my StrollerFit® class that finally got new shoes after roughly 2 yrs of wearing the same athletic shoes.
Ladies it is so important to get new shoes when you need them. I know a lot of the time we put ourselves last especially when it comes to spending money but wearing old shoes that have lost their support or their ability to absorb shock can end up hurting you and possibly costing you more money in doctor bills in the end. Wearing those old shoes for too long can cause many problems such as Runners Knee, Plantar Fasciitis, Plantar Heel Pain Syndrome and even stress fractures. As a general rule you should only wear a pair of shoes for approximately 600 hours. Another very easy guideline to follow is if you start to have aches and pains in your legs and feet that weren't there previously then time for new shoes.
Here's a couple of tips on purchasing your new shoes......

• Buy sport specific, if you're a runner buy running shoes. If you're in a stroller fitness class like StrollerFit® that alternates cardio and strength training than a good cross trainer should meet your needs.


• Go to a specialty store and get fitted. A good knowledgeable staff can help you pick out the shoes for your specific foot type and your athletic needs. Remember that during and after pregnancy many women's feet change so get fitted every time.
• It's also a good idea to try on shoes at the end of the day when your feet are usually more swollen.
• Wear the same type of sock that you wear for your workouts. That way you'll know exactly how the shoe fits for your workouts.
• Have both feet measured.
• They should feel comfortable right away. You should never have a "breaking in" period for your shoes.
• Make sure there is one-half inch or finger width between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Also make sure your heel does not slip in the shoes.
• Lastly try them out, most specialty stores will let you put both shoes on and run in them to make sure they are right for you.

You've made the effort to get fit so don't lose your motivation by pain that is being caused by your shoes. Stay healthy and strong ladies!!

Fitness tip: I hear a lot of people talk about not being able to find the time to workout. This is my answer to those people...... You will never find the time you must make the time. Figure out what excuses you commonly use to avoid your workouts and find solutions to overcome them. I promise once you get into that routine and you start seeing results you will see how easy it becomes to make the time for yourself. For all you moms out there, try a mom and baby fitness class like StrollerFit®. It's an easy way to get in your workouts when you have the convenience of having your child with you.

Theri Repke

StrollerFit® powered by mommymuscle® St. Louis

AFAA Certified Personal Trainer

PreNatal/PostPartum Certified Fitness Instructor

http://www.strollerfit.com/nwstlouis