Hi~
Does shoes really matter as far as running is concerned? does it make a difference?
Treadmill: I bought it early this May, walked on it only three times (20 mins each) slowly starting with 3 speed to 6.5 speed. It's a pretty decent treadmill that cost me a little over 1150 USD! expensive but I'm considering it a good investment towards transitioning. Not only my shoulders hurt, but my feet are killing me. I'm just wearing a simple flip-flops. I don't think I can handle daily one hour on the treadmill at this rate. Is investing in running shoes worth it? what's a really good brand? I'm going to order online and get it internationally shipped if its worth it! >.<
Fitness Bike: Bought it about a week ago, as I figure my body will easily get used to treadmill workout and make it ineffective if I manage to to an hour a day. So, a fitness bike may help me vary the workout with an additional hour on the bike. This cost me about 460 USD! I've tried cycling on it two times recently and my upper thighs just above the knees hurt really bad... ankles and feet too. Again comes the question of a good shoe, will it really help?
Thanks! Transitioning is burning up my savings left and right, it's going to become a big problem as I only earn less than $500/mo. That's why I'm reluctant to invest $60 on a good pair of shoe, not sure if it will help with my workout or not. :-\
Ouch! Flip flops? yeah, that's no good. I understand not being able to buy brand new running shoes, I can't either. Running barefoot is supposedly pretty good for you, though people disagree. It should at least be better than running with flip flops.
Maybe check a local thrift store for sneakers?
What about inexpensive running shoes? I'm sure they shouldn't be too hard to find. If the only time you wear them is when you work out, the quality shouldn't make that big a difference.
You are better off in normal lace up shoes than 'flip flops' if I know what they are. You do not need 'special' anything just shoes that support you arch and ankle. A 'decent' well fitting pair of shoes or joggers and go for it. BTW what you have paid would give me a gym membership for 5 years and free use of many machines and access to professional trainers. ??? Exercise is a lot easier in group surroundings to keep you motivated.
Cindy
Quote from: CindyJames on May 17, 2011, 04:46:51 AM
You are better off in normal lace up shoes than 'flip flops' if I know what they are. You do not need 'special' anything just shoes that support you arch and ankle. A 'decent' well fitting pair of shoes or joggers and go for it. BTW what you have paid would give me a gym membership for 5 years and free use of many machines and access to professional trainers. ??? Exercise is a lot easier in group surroundings to keep you motivated.
Cindy
Its true, but I'm shy, introverted, afraid of humans. So, I can't go into a gym full of people. I can't get much exercise done if I faint from the pressure now, can I? :(
Flip-flops are kind of like slippers, but they aren't soft.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flops (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flops)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fearthdivasblog.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2010%2F06%2Fflipflops.jpg&hash=d927e328cea835b0f3d7662569c6f627bb63e65b)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F_6r8_7oPQoWY%2FTMja_DGttGI%2FAAAAAAAACaY%2Fz4aDbxQMZYE%2Fs400%2Fold-navy-flip-flops.jpg&hash=0ae5a9b026ca5c3d5e099bfd839cbd242d243cc5)
See?
Now an online friend suggests I invest in a pair of good asics shoes before I burn my feet and legs off >.<
They are known as thongs in Aussie land :laugh: no vpl when wearing them :laugh:
Cindy
Yeah I know...I'm blowing the dust off of this one, but the issue of proper footwear is critical.
You want something that is going to provide some meaningful support, both of the arch as well as the ankle. They do not "need" to be purpose shoes (ie. the walking designs or similar) but they should be something other than flip flops, especially as the speed/incline is increased. And yes, your body WILL know the difference. I've been using a basic pair of Asics that I was just wearing on a regular basis and that were bought long before I ponied up for a health club.
My usual cardio routine begins with a 30-minute warm-up on the treadmill followed by about the same on a cycle. I've not had issues with the shoulders hurting, but that could be more related to what sort of shape your arms were in (presuming you are walking/jogging in a stride with the arms moving instead of just holding on to the machine like some people do). What you describe about upper thighs is just the muscles being used that do not ordinarily get worked in your regular activities.
You do not want to over-do things, as some measure of pain is your body's way of saying you might need to take a break...but by the same token, muscles need to be stretched. As you spend more time on the machine, you will find that those muscle groups don't yell at you as much as they did in the beginning.
Ann is right about the shoes, and the stretching too. You need a warm up and cool down period, just jumping on the machine and doing the routine is not good. You should stretch both before and after any real workout.
As long as it's some home program you should be able to find good shoes pretty cheap as there are lots and lots of good shoes made every year that turn out to be just too unfashionable (or just plain ugly) for anyone to really wear in public and you can find them at places like Big 5/TJ Maxx, Marshalls (or your local equivalent) where manufactures dump unsold products. But the right shoes will make a hell of a difference, save the flips for the beach.