Just about every morning I walk, at least 35-45 minutes, with my three doggies in tow. Not only do I enjoy walking with my dogs, I love the refreshing exercise of a brisk walk. Recently, I decided to buy some new tennis shoes and opted to try a “rocker” version of the latest tennis shoe design (curved sole to help increase balance while strengthening your core muscles – much like a wobble board). At first, I noticed my calf muscles seemingly getting a workout. Next I noticed my hips and lower back feeling a bit strained. Finally, I started feeling a slight pull inside my right knee. Last week I began experiencing a great deal of discomfort/pain in my lower right back and decided to give my “rockers” a rest. My daily walking regiment had never before rendered me these results. I knew something was wrong and I began searching for answers.
As I began questioning if these shoes were my culprit I started adding up a few things. I have a slightly tilted pelvis and maybe the “rocking” motion was aggravating it. I’m also (somewhat) flat footed. And once I stopped wearing the shoes for walking the pain stopped. So……I consulted with my chiropractor Dr. J from The Spine Group off Va. Beach Blvd. and he pretty much confirmed my concern. While the science behind the rocker design seems well supported, the doctor said he has had complaints of lower back pain reported to him as a result of wearing these types of tennis/athletic shoes.
Further research on the subject led me to the Live Strong website and a great article on the design and feasibility of the rocker athletic shoes (http://www.livestrong.com/article/395187-tennis-shoes-that-tighten-your-thighs-while-you-walk). Originally developed for diabetics with chronic ankle problems and as an orthopedic shoe, rockers have received conflicting reviews from both the health/science world and customers. Coined as the “toning tennis shoes” the rocker design supposedly helps burn calories while toning the thighs and buttocks areas (sounds good to me….). However, after about 20 minutes the rocker shoe apparently creates a certain amount of discomfort to the lower back (according to various reviews and user’s responses). I can only attest to my personal experience with regard to lower back pain after wearing them for 20 minutes or more of continuous walking.
A 2010 research study focused on a group of 12 physically active women, ages 19-24, wearing the toning shoes – against a group of 12 physically active women 21 to 27, wearing traditional tennis shoes. The results of their study (which measured the overall effects of the toning versus traditional tennis shoes) were relatively the same: No significant difference to the hamstrings, quads, buttocks, etc., or calories burned. So…..in theory, there probably isn’t a great deal of difference between these two types of shoes. Except for my personal experience with lower back discomfort from the toning shoes, I can say overall they initially seemed like a shoe I enjoyed wearing for a short period of time. However, the longer I wore them the more they bothered my lower back.
In speaking with a good friend today, I realized that each of us have different experiences when it comes to tennis shoes, particularly the “rocker” design. Both she and her husband found them to be extremely comfortable and supportive, wearing them for both short and longer periods of time. She even has a “flip flop” version of the shoe design!
After analyzing my research, my verdict is this: If the shoe fits, wear it! But if the purpose of the toning shoe is to help you get in shape and lose weight, I’d say that you can do that more effectively with routine exercise, proper balanced eating and well fitting tennis shoes.
Quick Tip for Wellness: Nothing helps you attain wellness more than balanced nutrition and daily exercise.
Quick Tips for Wellness, Copyright © 2011, All Rights Reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment