Got Shoes?
Tips for buying Fitness Shoes
Next to membership and training fees, your gym shoes are generally the second most important and expensive investment you’ll make in regards to your health and fitness. Even if you only attend Stellar Fitness bare-footed for yoga and Pilates, you probably spend time outside of the studio walking and running to improve your cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, this info is for all of you! Wearing the right gym shoes for your chosen activity, and replacing them at the right time, is extremely important. Although a lot of you women (and maybe some men) want to buy gym shoes that match with your favorite work-out attire, please know that exercise and the health and safety of the rest of your body is way more important than looking good. Those of you running and walking, you need running/walking shoes! If you are an avid runner, your shoes need to be replaced by the time you reach 300 miles; and don’t be cheap!! People always want to find the least expensive gym shoes, and while you can find some great deals, you cannot physically afford to buy cheap shoes. Your shoes are supporting your entire body, and that’s a lot of weight, especially if that weight includes impact from your sport of choice. Don’t forget-the chain also continues straight up to your knees, hips, back, and neck. Many of you with old shoes will immediately notice the difference when you replace your shoes with quality, sport appropriate shoes. Those of you who like most sports, including racquet sports like tennis, and/or attend our cardio sculpt classes need a good aerobic/cross-training shoe. Cross trainers will allow you the side-to-side support you need to be your best, and help to avoid blisters and other orthopedic issues. These should be replaced about every 6 months. If you are active most days of the week, having two pair of shoes to swap out will allow you to keep them longer and change up the support your body receives. In short, pay attention to the activity a specific shoe is created for when shoe shopping; the designers don’t spend time labeling their shoes for fun, believe me! If you run or walk on some days, and participate in cardio or aerobic classes on the others, then you’ll need a variety of shoes. And when it’s time to replace your shoes, replace your shoes. Your body will thank you by happily allowing you to stay active in the sports you love for years to come! Cheers to new kicks….

~Sarah Liakos

Degreed & Certified Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Health Fitness Instructor