With the New Year upon us, it is time to get back into your fitness routine!
I often get asked "What are the best shoes for aerobic exercise?"
One of the most important pieces of equipment is the shoes you wear during aerobic exercise. Not all athletic shoes are made to provide proper support for the types of movements common in aerobics.
Bottom line, eliminate running or walking shoes from your aerobics shoe options. While these are popular shoes, they are made for straight movement and provide no lateral support, which can lead to ankles injuries. Also, the ideal aerobic exercise shoe should have mesh uppers for breathability.
Now, specifically for Step Aerobics:
Unlike traditional aerobic workouts that take place on a flat surface, step aerobics uses a step between 4 and 10 inches in height. Step aerobics involves quick lateral movements and constant stepping up and down. These workouts increase the impact to joints in the lower extremities and without appropriate shoes to support the feet, the likelihood of injury increases.
Shoes designed specifically for step aerobics provide much more shock absorption than other sneakers. Aerobic shoes provide increased stability to the foot, which is necessary for side-to-side movements. They also allow for increased flexibility for exercise movements that require turning and twisting. Proper shoes can prevent common step aerobic injuries, such as shin splints and stress fractures.
Recommendations:
New Balance's WX871 sneaker was created specifically for aerobics and fitness boot camps. These lightweight shoes offer New Balance's most advanced shock absorption technology. Shock absorption is provided throughout the shoe with extra cushioning in the heel. Midfoot support protects the foot during side-to-side movements. Designed for indoor or outdoor use, the rubber soles do not leave marks on gym floors.
http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-997v2/WX997-V2,default,pd.html
As a New Balance wear tester; I was recently selected to test New Balance’s M990 GL3 Running Shoe.
Looks like I have some running to do!
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