One reason I wasn't a huge fan of Zumba is that it hurt my ankles, knees and hips. For a runner, protecting your knees is on the importance meter right next to your children or parents. It's a big deal. So I shy away from anything that hurts my knees.
Then I took the Piloxing certification class. Piloxing is done barefoot for the same reason so many have started running barefoot. It helps with form, balance and strength. If there is a giant rubber outsole and foam insole between your foot and the ground it makes it hard on your joints when you turn, twist and stop quickly, like you do in Zumba.
Piloxing didn't hurt my knees or any other joints, so I couldn't wait to try Zumba barefoot.
I went to a Zumba class last Saturday and took my Toe Sox with me. Surprisingly I was not the only shoeless Jane in class. I even convinced my gal pal to wear Toe Sox with me! You could do the class completely barefoot, but I prefer to wear Toe Sox, with the little grippies, because who knows how clean the floor is, right?
I enjoyed the class SO much more and experienced no joint pain. I also felt safer when it came to stopping and turning because I wasn't babying my joints. The balls of my feet are a bit sore, which is natural when you begin any sort of barefoot training, whether Piloxing, Zumba or running.
Have you done Zumba barefoot?
Do you do any form of exercise sans shoes?
Will you be trying barefoot Zumba soon?
This is an interesting spin on what to wear when Zumbaing. I have been wearing my Nike Musique as they were recommended here and I didnt have too much of a problem with them since they had the pivot point under the bottom of the shoe....however, there are times I wish I had more freedom, but barefoot was never an option.
ReplyDeleteThese Toe Sox look pretty awesome and it helps that they are not overly expensive. They also look pretty cute :) I am going to order a pair and once I get it, I'll let you know how it turns out.
Maybe you might have converted one more Zumba-er lol