Fitness For The Weekend

Let's hear it Tucson, What are we doing for fitness this weekend? I will be doing my normal routine of Sat. resistance training and Sunday morning 4 mile hike at Bugs Springs. Your all welcome to join the hike. We hit the trail about 7. If your interested give me an email or text and we will coordinate an exact time.

Footwear, What Do You Prefer?

Today I would like to get your feedback on footwear.  There are a lot of differing opinions on footwear so Better Bodies on Campbell would like to hear your thoughts.  What do you were and why?

I would also like to give you my thoughts from a personal trainer's perspective.  I have heard and read different articles and opinions from some really great sources.  So for myself, I have done what I always do and I ask my "fail proof" question, for whom is the article written, or for what goal?

The conclusion I have come to is that there is no one answer and there is not one shoe that does it all.  I take into consideration two things when I am choosing footwear for my current activity.  The first consideration that I always keep in mind that the feet are the proprioceptors for the hips and the second, is the activity that I am doing which adds support and striking point.

For the proprioception, the more there is between the foot and the ground, the less your hips can stabalize.  This is important for slower movements like hiking, walking, and working out.  I use a flat soled shoe for everything outside of running.  I like vans for this purpose and I have seen the finger shoes, hiking boots, wrestling shoes, and barefoot.  I know some people that have went as far as doing squats barefoot in the sand and Arnold preferred working out barefoot.  Done right, you can really build your arches well and it help with daily activities as well.  I prefer Vans myself as the cost is reasonable and the construction and quality is great.  I even hike in high top vans.

For the second determining factor of activity, you may not want a flat soled shoe for long distance running or sprinting.  Also, some sports require a different shoe like soccer, football, special pedals for biking, etc.  So if your sport determines your footwear, use the appropriate footwear.  If it is up to you in something like running then go with what works best for you.  Usually you will be picking a good running shoe with a sole that creates a slight tilt forward.  This helps with a heal strike and helps to position your body.  There are plenty of  runners that will use the toe shoes or finger shoes.  From the advice that I have heard from seminars and professional athlete coaches and doctors is not always the same.  Some say to go with a running shoe and others stay with the minimal amount of sole on a shoe.  For the minimal sole shoe, What seems to be consistent is that  you should build up to running with the toe shoes and don't go out and change it all at once.  If your not used to a toe shoe then maybe walk with them for a couple days, then run a short distance to make sure your foot is adapting to it.  You will need to build your arch and it takes some time.  The basics to building an arch are to walk on three points.  Your heel, the knuckle of your pinkie toe and the knuckle of your big toe.  In the beginning you will feel like your walking on the outside of your foot and your muscles along the outside of your calf might get sore.

So like anything, take it all into consideration and go with what works for you.  And don't be apposed to changing down the road as your arch builds and you pay more attention to how your foot touches the ground.  Feel free to email me (justin@betterbodiestucson.com) or DM me on Facebook for more info.  And please feel free to leave your comments and opinions as there are great people with differing opinions here so your feedback is much appreciated.

Exercise well, Exercise often.

Sincerely,

Justin List
Owner: Better Bodies on Campbell
Email: justin@betterbodiestucson.com
Facebook: facebook.com/betterbodiesoncampbell

Hiking, Running, Walking Tip

Soldiers trail to the top of Mt. Lemon.  18 mile hike total. part of the Arizona Trail

Here is a quick tip for better performance on long walks, hikes, or runs.

Try focusing on the back side or your body (posterior chain) for speed, strength, and endurance.  We generally focus on the front leg.  Try to focus on the back leg and the hip of that leg.  It will almost feel like your pushing the ground behind you.  Also, the left hip is connected with the right shoulder and visa verse.  So as your right leg moves back, your left shoulder will move back as well, almost like a twisting motion.  Try and visualize the muscles connecting from the back of the one hip moving backward and the muscles in a diagonal pattern to tho opposite shoulder.  The leg moving forward will take care of itself. And also remember that the legs follow the arms so if you want to move faster or if your getting tired, focus on pumping your arms.

Try it and tell us how it works for you.

Justin List

Tip of the Day 4-15-11

For long hikes, make sure to bring a fresh pair of socks. When the feet heat up and get sweaty, stopping for a short break of water, food, and put a fresh pair of socks on. You will be good to go for another 10 miles.

Justin List
318-3488
Facebook
Website www.betterbodiestucson.com

Weekend Hike at Babad Do'ag Mt. Lemon

What a beautiful morning yesterday. Jonas and I hit the trail at 7:o4 and we finished at exactly 8:o4a.m. It is a quick hike but makes for a great start for the day.
The trail is fairly steep but not too tough. I would say moderate in intensity. You can really get your heart rate up high if you like for a good cardio workout.
With all of the scenery it is difficult not to want to stop and take some pictures. I took 26 pictures and here are a few.
What did you do this weekend Tucson? I hope you got to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Tell us about it here at Better Bodies on Campbell.
You can also find us on Facebook and you will find the rest of the pictures from this hike. And I encourage you to share there as well.
Stay fit Tucson and were shall we go next weekend? What are you doing to stay in shape or to enjoy your current fitness level?
DM me on Facebook, Email me at justin@betterbodiestucson.com, or give us a call at 318-3488 as we can set up programs for all walks of life and all goals whether it is a medical issue or to be able to hike again. Even for weight loss or toning and shaping and for events such as marathon's, long bike rides etc. Let's do life Tucson.
Enjoy your week and this great weather.

Justin List
Owner: Better Bodies on Campbell
Office: 318-3488
Facebook
Website: www.betterbodiestucson.com