Articles

Do the Right Thing

As I work with people at my store or at health fairs and clinics, I find many of the same questions being asked. As I continue to pursue these questions most people have a good idea what the answer already is.

A good example is: "Why do my feet hurt after standing on them all day at work". If you think about it, there are several factors at work here common to many people. The first issue could be you have the wrong size shoe. Our feet get longer and flatter as we age and factors that contribute to this can be added weight, pregnancy and being on your feet for long periods of time. Another element that can be involved in your foot getting bigger is as you stand on your feet they swell or get larger over the day. Another component of this bigger foot phenomenon is width. Most people, if they think about, know they need a shoe that fits both length and width. You should not be concerned that you have always fit into a certain size or width. When it comes to running or walking shoes, you need to make sure you buy at least a half or full size larger than your dress shoe size to accommodate the foot getting bigger as you exercise.

Another thing people know, if they think about it, is that they need to get a shoe that matches their foot type. A 300 pound man knows he will not get any support out of a beach sandal. If you have flat feet you need a supportive shoe and if you have very high arches you need a more cushioned shoe. When you are shoe shopping especially for athletic shoes, you should have your foot measured. You should also look for someone who knows the difference between a supportive shoe and a cushion shoe.

Another question I get asked a lot is how to start a running or walking program. Many programs recommend a slow start with not adding more than 10% of speed or distance each week. After a five to ten minute warm up, you can pick up your pace for about 100 yards or so and then go back to a comfortable pace, by doing this your overall pace will pick up. If you increase your speed or distance dramatically, you increase your chance for injury. Many elements can affect your performance like weather, amount of sleep, and diet so don't try to set a personal best each time you go out for a run or walk.

I find that in talking to people, most realize there is no magic pill to take to get fit. It will take some effort and the proper combination of exercise and diet. I feel that most people realize this and should just use common sense, then go out and do the right thing.