Daily Fit Tip: Go barefoot!
The human foot wasn't designed for shoes, and believe it or not most of the shoes we wear (even the athletic ones!) are actually doing more harm than good.
Posts with tag shoes
Pump up your sex life with a pair of heels
Break out those high heels. A recent study from the University of Verona in Italy reports that women whose feet are elevated at a 15-degree angle (that's about a three-inch heel) have more relaxed pelvic muscles than women who wear flats. The more relaxed these pelvic muscle are, the more they can contract and heighten your sexual experience.
Heels may not be your best bet for healthy feet -- but for a healthy sex life, they may be just the ticket. For 20 great tips for wearing and walking in high heel shoes, take a peek at this site. Per reader suggestion, here are some tips for avoiding the pain high heels can cause. And by all means, don't risk life and limb just to sport a pair of pumps in the name of good sex.
Thanks, Family Circle, for the sexy tip.
Fit Gadgets: Yankz Sure Lace System
I've never been a big fan of tying my shoes. It's not that I have a problem doing it -- I am fairly coordinated -- but I get extremely annoyed when I have to stop what I'm doing in order to retie a loose lace.Actually, the more embarrassing reason is that I'm weirdly particular about my shoes being tied equally tight -- does anyone else have that problem? If one shoe feels tighter than the other, I have to stop and adjust until both shoes feel the same -- not the most efficient use of my time, but I can't run with my right shoe tighter than my left. I just can't.
A couple of years ago I came across Yankz laces, and my troubles have been long gone. The Yankz Sure Lace System, once set up, keeps my shoes fitting perfectly run after run. The laces are slightly stretchy with a locking system, so once you get your shoe fitting exactly the way you want them, you never have to do it again. There's no loosening or tightening -- they're stretchy enough for you to slide your shoe right on (perfect for triathlon), then they stay plenty tight.
Barefoot safety tips from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
While it's fun to go around barefoot, it can also be dangerous. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has released a series of barefoot safety tips that any sandal shunner should take the time to read. Check out our gallery for all the tips (and explanations, so you can sound wicked smart when you tell your barefoot friends what to do!).
Gallery: Barefoot Safety Tips from the ACFAS
Healthy gifts for Mother's Day
My mom is one of those hard-to-buy-for types. She and my dad are, thankfully, in a position where if they need or want anything, they can go out and get it. But when birthdays and holidays like Mother's Day roll around, it leaves my siblings and me with very few options. This year, I think I'll try to give my mom something in keeping with her healthy lifestyle. If you're thinking along the healthy lines for Mother's Day gifts too, here are some ideas to consider:- A day at the spa. Moms rarely take time for themselves. Give your mom a gift certificate for the spa and help her relax.
- Skin care. Whether you give a face mask, moisturizer, hand lotion, or cleanser, skin care gifts are always appreciated.
Gallery: Mother's Day gift ideas
Fit Gadgets: Vibram FiveFingers Footwear
Only it wasn't actually the end, because this link for Vibram FiveFingers Footwear (which we've also covered here at That's Fit a time or two) popped into my inbox the other day. You know I love fashionable footwear, and believe me, this isn't it, but it is a unique and cool concept based on barefooting, which they define as:
1. The exhilarating joy of going barefoot without leaving yourself exposed; 2. any activity requiring unconventional footwear offering the protection of a thin, flexible Vibram skin; 3. an intelligent way to deepen your connection with your natural surroundings.
Gallery: Vibram FiveFingers Footwear: It's funky!
Nike Gift Card Giveaway!
You might remember a while ago when I "went running with Lance Armstrong," courtesy of a Lance Armstrong coaching mix provided by Nike. Don't forget that Lance's mix isn't the only one available -- check out some of the other coaching mixes for yourself!To further encourage you to get (or stay) fit, Nike is giving away one $100 gift card to a lucky That's Fit reader. You can use that gift card toward any gear at Nike.com or at Nike stores. You can use it to purchase clothing, shoes -- you name it! Unfortunately, it's not good toward the coaching mixes, but they're pretty affordable anyway.
To enter, all you need to do is leave a comment below before 5:00PM Eastern, May 9, telling us about who or what inspires you to get fit. We'll randomly choose one winner amongst the eligible entries and announce the winner on May 12. Some other important details:
- To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us about who or what inspires you to get fit.
- The comment must be left and confirmed before May 9 at 5:00PM EST.
- You may only enter once.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
- One winner will receive a Nike Gift Card valued at $100.
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs Weekly Round-up: May 2, 2008
This has been a Gwyneth Paltrow-heavy week. First of all, the mother of two spoke up about her battle with post-partum depression after the birth of her second child, son Moses. She said, "I felt really out of my body ... really down ... really pessimistic." She thinks part of the problem was that she stopped taking time for herself and neglected her usual wellness treatments, such as acupuncture and massage.And, as long as we're talking about Gwynnie and gawking, there's no WAY I'm going to leave out the wardrobe she's been sporting while stumping for her new flick, Iron Man. First of all, there have been shoes -- shoes with heels of half a foot or so. And then the dresses! Gwyneth has been rocking the shortest minidresses imaginable, mostly with great success. She certainly has the body to pull it off, although I'm firmly of the opinion that nobody should wear a skirt so short that there's serious risk of a panty-flash, no matter how fab the legs are.
In other Gwyneth news, her trainer (who she says Madonna stole) gave USWeekly a diet and exercise program designed to allow participants to lose three to five pounds a week. It doesn't look too healthy to me, so I think I'll stick with a more moderate plan and be happy to drop just a pound or two weekly.
Continue reading We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs Weekly Round-up: May 2, 2008
Quality, eco-friendly shoes for kids
Finding shoes that are easy on the environment is getting easier -- whether you're looking for running shoes, dress shoes, or just some sandals for kicking around town, you've got options.Well, if you're an adult, anyway. It's a little more difficult to find eco-friendly shoe options for kids, but it's not impossible (and it's getting easier). In fact, this article at Divine Caroline lists options for kids' shoes. Patagonian, Timberland, and other companies have joined the good fight and are offering kids' shoes made with environmentally friendly products and packaged in a responsible and sustainable way.
And what if you have an environmentally conscious little ballerina? You can even find a vegan alternative ballet slipper. It might take a little more hunting for you to find shoes for your little ones with all these qualities, but isn't it worth it to know that your child's footprint isn't leaving an environmental footprint, too?
Gallery: Cutie Patootie Isabooties
Keep your feet dry with these waterproof sneakers
I don't know about you, but I love taking a run on a drizzly day. I love the water hitting my face, I love the smell of the rain, and I love the fact that it's usually a bit cooler. What I don't love is wet feet.
New Balance has come out with a running shoe made of Gore Tex, so it's totally waterproof. The sole is rugged and looks like it would grip really well, even on wet, slippery, uneven terrain, which is great because they have the shock absorbency to handle a trail run. Plus, since it's Gore Tex, you can get them as dirty as you want and they should be a breeze to clean.
Men's (orange) and women's (blue) New Balance 1110 are currently on sale at New Balance North Shore for $99.99.
Via FitSugar
Five ways to customize your running shoes
Gallery: 5 tricks to customize your shoes
How frustrating is it when you've spent hours doing research and shopping for the right running shoe, only to run in it a few times and find a flaw? Everyone has a different need when it comes to shoes. Even if you don't overpronate and your arch is just perfect, you still could end up with some unforeseen shoe issues.
Active.com has the solution to a number of problems -- customize your shoes by adjusting your laces. Click through the gallery to find out how lacing your shoes differently might save your feet.
Forbes' best shoes for your sport
Gallery: Best Shoes for Your Sport
Forbes published some tips for choosing the best sneakers for your sport, and to be honest, I found it a bit lacking. They covered a lot of running and outdoor sports, but some of the sports for which shoes are really important (like volleyball and basketball) were totally left off.
I did a little research and added what sounded like the best shoes for those sports. However, it's important to remember your sport-specific needs when shopping for a shoe. If you will be making quick, side-to-side movements, you'll need different support than you would for running a marathon. If you really don't know what you need, try to find a store that specializes in your sport and ask for help. The right shoes might not make you a better athlete, but they will make your sport more enjoyable.
Some uses for salt -- adding it to your food not included
Adding salt to your food is generally frowned upon--that dreaded sodium is no good for your body--but that doesn't mean you should throw out your salt shakers. According to Mark's Daily Apple, here are some interesting ways to use salt:- In your shoes: Putting a pinch of salt in your shoes will help reduce odor. Who knew?
- On your hands: Mix some salt with white or malt vinegar and rub it in your hands to get rid of the smell of chopping garlic or onions.
- On your apples: Submerging apple slices in a solution of cold salt water will keep them from going brown without compromising taste.
- On bites: A paste of salt and water will help relieve itch and pain associated with bee strings and mosquito bites.
- In your coffee: A small pinch of salt will take away any bitter taste in your java.
Sporty St. Patrick's Day sneakers for the Irish at heart (or, at feet)
Looking for a way to be sporty and fashionable this St. Patrick's Day? Go Irish and stylish right down to your toes with some special St. Patrick's Day sneakers. With all the green and shamrocks and whatnot, they might just end up being your luckiest shoes yet! I mean, why buy shoes you'll only wear for the holiday when you can get a new pair of running shoes at the same time?Courtesy of Inventor Spot, the gallery below shows you several shoes that will show off your athletic prowess, even if your main sport is the Green Beer Chugging. Or, maybe, especially if that's your best sport ...
Gallery: St. Patrick's Day Sneakers
Shoe shopping 101
Some of you probably think you know it all when it comes to shoe shopping. Well, Forbes recently gave out some tips on the best ways to shop for sneakers, and I think you'll be surprised at some of their suggestions.- Find a good retailer. If you're a runner, check out a running store -- they will likely be better able to diagnose your shoe needs than a college kid working at Champs.
- Know your foot (or find someone who does). If you're flatfooted, you'll be likely to overpronate, whereas if you have high arches, you'll probably underpronate. Again, this is where a knowledgeable salesperson will be most helpful.
Summer Slimdown Guide: Instant self-confidence boosters
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Summer Slimdown Guide: Calorie-free foods (or close to it)
