What’s Your Experience with Vibram 5 finger Barefoot Shoes
Vibram shoes
The Funny Shoes That Feel Good
My Vibram Shoes
I own two pairs of Vibram Fivefinger shoes. The first pair was bought in the kangaroo leather “preforma” style, and I soon felt that they were only for indoor workouts. I loved them, and didn’t want to wear them out by exposing them to hard outdoor wear.
How I Discovered The Barefoot Shoes
A post on an exercise site, one which listed this very shoe on the wishlist of the personal trainer who ran the site, made me want a pair for myself. She described the shoes as being super comfortable and great for workouts. The idea of barefoot comfort was compelling.
So I ordered a purple pair, just like the ones I saw in the post. They were so comfortable for yoga and dance workouts that it seemed important to have a pair for outdoor activity. Soon I had my stronger constructed Vibrams.
My feet have been intolerant of poor shoes for a number of years now, so Vibram shoes were a “godsend”.
Sizing
Sizing is different, so pay attention to the directions for getting the proper size fit.
Five Fingered Shoes Look a Little Weird
Gray 5 finger shoes by Vibram
Why Buy A Pair Of These Shoes?
They are comfortable
Vibram shoes are manufactured in different styles for specific activities
Vibram shoes are constructed well
Their barefoot running technology are believed to be healthier for feet than normal shoes
I own two pairs of Vibram fivefinger shoes and I love both of them. I have a very soft flexible pair for yoga and indoor exercising, a more durable pair for outdoors.
— Ilona
Women’s Bikila – Made for running
3
Notes on Sizes
– there are stores that carry Vibrams and they will fit you expertly.
– there are instructions on the Vibram company site
Shoes that are good for runners. “Keep runners on their feet.”
Different Models for Different Folks
There are different models of shoes made by the Vibram company. These are known by the names given the shoe, not just a mere style variation. There are 16 models for women to choose from.There are 13 shoe models for men.
Below is an example of some features of three of the men’s models.
https://youtu.be/uzeZluK6tOM?si=pYVJjU-fsC3E3HuT
3 Men’s Styles
Komodo
Bikila
Seeya
best for gym and running
best for running
walking
reputed to be most comfortable
thicker and more sturdy
lighter construction
LS=laces
laces or straps
3 Women’s Styles
KomodoSport
CVT Ls
KSO EVO
running and fitness
casual wear
casual and fitness
stitch-free footbed
lightweight
lightweight,sole grip
support and comfort
slip-on with laces
speed lace
Cleaning Your Shoes
Most of them are machine washable using the gentle cycle. You might try simply making sure your feet are clean before using your barefoot shoes, and I’ve never had a “smell problem”, but for those who do a sports wash may be a good idea.
Now that I’ve worn Vibram shoes for awhile, would I buy them again? A resounding yes, I would.
My favorite use of these shoes is for indoor yoga, which is an activity I do barefoot, normally. I like the feel of the shoes and they give me traction.
I bought a heavier model for outdoors, but find I don’t use them as much. When I used them during my trip to the arid West they got very dusty, which I dealt with my simply whacking them on my hand.
In my normal climate of Ohio it can get very muddy, with heavy dew in the mornings even in dry months of summer. I don’t want to ruin my shoes with mud. In fact, I’m careful to use shoes I don’t care about in muddy conditions here. That means street shoes, athletic shoes, etc. So, it is no reflection on the barefoot shoe, just a fact of life in rural Ohio that has a muddy season.
Boys Running Shoe
Great for light trekking, running, fitness, watersport or casual wear.
This unique footwear comes in sizing for kids, too.
From Their Website: Barefoot Running Training Schedule
Barefoot Running Guide Guide for getting used to “barefoot running”. Strengthening your feet.
Why is this now important? Because with rising health care costs we must be proactive about our health, and one segment of this is to use alternative sources for learning to treat ourselves. Vitamins and herbal supplements are readily available, but we need more than faddish promotions of the "latest thing"; we need to be informed of actual alternative and herbal treatments and how those will impact our health.
I've been studying this subject for years, implementing it and using myself as guinea pig. I'm very conservative in approach, because, after all, some very powerful drugs and toxins have their origins in herbs. Digitalis, opium, and belladonna quickly come to mind. The links I list for this subject reflect my prejudice: I like scientific, straightforward facts on medicinal herbs. Claims for medical applications can arise from several sources, which makes the information confusing and potentially mistaken. I sift through and try to discern the category of origination to judge whether the herb is safe and useful.
Common Sources of Herbal Information
Not all sources of information on herbal uses are reliable or trustworthy. Here are a few categories you will come across:
Doctrine of signatures - this was an idea that if a plant mimicked something human, it was good for it. Example: Hepatica leaf resembled the liver, so..... I'm sorry, I don't trust this.
Astrological influences - Here, an herb is assigned to a zodiac sign (sort of like the way pagan gods and goddesses were "over" something). What's difficult about this is whether the writer assigned the powers to the herb because of what sign it belonged to or whether it was assigned based on its known effects. Unreliable.
Folk medicine and native Indian medicine - This combined with whatever scientific studies one can find yields the most promising answers. These older societies looked for what worked, although there was some superstition and shamanism thrown in, no doubt. I give more weight to these claims and along with newer information to find the most likely help.
Homeopathic Medicine - This is a whole separate category based on specific premises and with a great deal of precision in dosage, preparation, etc. And I think it's best to deal with someone well educated in this if you're taking that route. I'm not even qualified to provide links in this area (it intrigues me, though).
So, what have I tried? For those nasty "adult acne" breakouts (pimples at forty?) a hormone balancing cream with wild yam works well-this is rubbed on the body. A face cream with yeast in it worked well. Evening Primrose capsules seemed helpful, too.
Some essential sandalwood oil mixed into Nivea cream as a carrier was good for the neck area, and it smelled so nice.
For eye pressure and redness, I'm experimenting - and haven't quite figured what exactly is helping me.Here's my combination,so far:
Exercise (this has to be part of it)
Herbs of Bilberry, Eyebright, and Gingko Biloba
Vitamins A, C, B complex, Lecithin with some Calcium/Magnesium/Zinc tablets. A vitamin combination for eyes worked well (it had selenium in it).
I'm not getting older, I'm getting better - so why doesn't my body get the message? Anyway, for increasing attacks of PMS, the Evening Primrose/Wild Yam stuff works well along with increased Vitamin B complex. Sometimes extra Folic acid and B6 thrown in...try these the week before the event.
Also, I should lay off caffeine - my absorption and utilization of B's and calcium would be better. If you can quit coffee and chocolate, you're a better person than I presently am.
My husband has taken Saw Palmetto; information on it indicated that regular use could stave off future prostate trouble.
For relaxation, Chamomile tea is effective and, during pregnancy, red raspberry leaf tea is soothing.
Usually, I err on the side of under using medication of any sort, but two strong herbal remedies which I've used were (1) Blue Cohosh for after delivery. I also used it during the labor, but it was more useful for me afterwards. It's extremely bitter, and I wasn't sure whether it caused some problems with the baby's nursing. Some babies are sensitive to flavors in breast milk. (2) An Ayervedic "de tox" tea. This was strong stuff! It did seem helpful. This tea cleanses the 'everyday living' type of toxins which seem to abound in our modern society.
A word here, about herbs during pregnancy: I think you should always consult with knowledgeable people on this ("in the multitude of counselors..."). Many times an herb is recommended for a certain part, like blue cohosh during the labor, but not during the pregnancy (it can act as an abortifacient). Also, anythingat the beginning of a pregnancy is taking chances with a crucial development time. Pregnancy is not a sickness to be medicated, it is a time of health awareness -good food, moderate exercise, positive thoughts, good feelings....a valid reason to take extra good care of you. Herb info
If you are pregnant you may like my Childbirth Page -it has loads of important information on Pregnancy and Childbirth.( It is temporarily off line)
Food
One of the most powerful things we can do to keep healthy is to eat right. Eating raw food, whole grains, more fruits and vegetables, are all basic ways to improve our health.
Sometimes we ignore the simplest facets of building a healthy body. I know it is hard to change poor habits... I experience that now, and I know if we just make the small choices every day to pick whole foods that benefit us over the empty foods that drain our resources instead of nourishing us, we are making progress. Don't be discouraged, but be determined to eat better. It will pay off in the long run.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. All information is offered from my own personal opinions and experience for you to use for informational purposes only. We are responsible for our own health decisions and that includes consulting medical professionals for advice and care.
Why use them? I run across opinions from the medical sector and "experts" who dismiss the use of supplements, normally with the statement that they're unnecessary when a balanced diet is consumed. I suppose that those ideas come from insufficient knowledge of agricultural practices.
So where are my degrees? My clinical experience? Nonexistent. I'm a gardener, I'm a mom. But, think about this: Our bodies are composed of what we eat, our nutrients.
In the same way a plant or animal food is composed of its nutrients. If foods are grown on selenium deficient soils, will they have enough selenium in them? Iodine deficient soils are known to cause problems, thus iodized salt.
Modern farming uses depleted soils to grow crops, sometimes repeatedly the same ones, with the chemical additions of the "big three" - nitrogen, potassium, and potash. Additionally, many modern hybrids are raised for disease resistance or ease of handling. This doesn't translate into better nutrition.
Herbal and vitamin supplementation of the best diet we can avail ourselves of just makes sense.
Fresh herbs and tea count, too
My Routine
Because there have been many challenges to deal with in the last decade, there have been a number of supplements I have been trying to add into my daily diet. The most outstanding problem has been hypertension, which I will tell you about first. Besides that, I have routine vitamins, (those taken regularly) :
Admittedly, I sometimes feel like I've amassed a small pharmacy worth of vitamins and herbs; but this has been helping me.
Dealing With High Blood Pressure
In working on the pressures- a doctor suggested having a glucose tolerance test. If blood sugar imbalances are damaging tissues then many of the things which help a diabetic condition would also aid the eye and blood pressure to normalize. This is a confirmation to me to exercise, add supplemental selenium, and antioxidants.
What Am I Doing Now? What Works.
I have been on blood pressure medication for a number of years now. I am trying to cut it back with the goal of no longer needing it. I have had trouble from the beginning with sometimes wild fluctuations, and developed a way to manage this. First I will list what I use, and then explain why.
I eat beets and drink beet juice supplements
I take Cinnamon and alpha-lipoic acid capsules
Fish oil or Krill oil for healthy Omega fats
Vitamin D3
Magnesium drink (Calm)
Probiotics
Beet consumption has been shown to lower blood pressure; it works in that way for me. Fish oil is often prescribed for heart health and has blood thinning properties.(1)
Magnesium is a mineral that many Americans are deficient in, and it is needed for blood pressure and glucose regulation. (2)
Ginko Biloba and Some Words on Balancing One's Life
More on Gingko biloba: this definitely is a helpful herb and its effects ought to be considered. First, I understand it acts as a blood thinner- which might explain some of its helpfulness in the peripheral circulatory system.
Beware of Combinations
be careful
You should be aware of other blood thinning products you might be using (like aspirin). Another, subjective, observation is that it has stimulant properties. So, I personally don't like to take it in the evening - sort of behaves like caffeine in my system.
We are often advised to be careful how foods or others things interact when prescribed medications.
Herbs and even vitamins can interact both with each other, with foods or with medications we are taking, in the same way. Blood thinning factors are one thing to be aware of, but some foods, like grapefruit juice can either magnify, cancel or otherwise change effectiveness or safety of what we ingest.
When devising our own health plan, we should research or ask advisce about possible interactions.
Natural Means Are Not A Quick Fix, But Take Time
My weight is moderate at 125 lbs. and I really don't want to drop weight, but if you carry extra pounds, the additional exercise and some chromium picolinate can only help. People who need to lose weight should do it for themselves-your health is worth it!
UPDATED: I originally wrote this article in 1999-2001 time period. Today, in 2018 my body and health requisites have changed. I have learned a lot in the meantime, but I have also battled serious issues that include weight gain. I have learned how difficult it is to lose weight when your metabolism has changed, when medications taken have side effects on your appetite and weight gain. I will keep the pertinent original info, but this page must reflect my new status of fighting to keep down blood pressure and weight gain.
Herbs and supplements are not a 'quick fix', so moderation and patience (the same qualities needed for all permanent life changes) will be necessary. The concept of homeostasis, picture a balance or stacking building blocks , means we adjust our system gradually. Here is as good a place as any to compare and contrast health philosophies.
This Is Not A Diatribe Against Doctors
There is a place for the medical establishment and for self-help; the two have always coexisted along with the third, the spiritual factor. I have to believe doctors have always found it frustrating to shoulder the responsibility of prevention. It is up to an individual to do the actual exercise and common sense activities of eating, sleeping, etc.
Doctors and hospitals seem best suited for emergency intervention - I definitely want them for injuries or a heart attack! But in daily situations , they are like very expensive personal trainers, if you have the money and the need, avail yourself.
The rest of us are being priced out of the market; besides, it is very pleasant to experience a healthy lifestyle. That's the reason to use nutrition, herb, and fitness information.
Spiritual Factors
I really have to throw one caveat in here: we cannot guarantee our own health and well-being. No doctor can, either. That's why there has always been the spiritual factor.
You know the saying "Life happens" (and the variants thereof), well, despite our best laid plans the principle of entropy can manifest. .or lightning can strike...or...or..And in the meantime we can do what we can.
For me, the spiritual factor is Jesus Christ, and I really don't want to hem and haw around yours if its different. I have a page on why I believe in Him, but, for now, allow me to share one amazing fact. When I exercise for a couple of days, I easily lower my blood pressure points about five-ten; when I pray for maybe ten minutes the same effect occurs. Just thought I'd throw that in since it shows that dealing with the whole person (not just the body) is important.
Whatever your age or difficulty, it seems training with weights can help you. Eventually, a whole body regimin could be introduced into your exercise routine, but where (and how limited) would you like to start? I chanced onto Jane Fonda's routine in "Complete Workout".
As I look back, my activities could have pointed out weaknesses: my legs, through ballet, bicycling, and walking were my strength and my poor performance in softball and chin-ups indicated a weak upper body.
When we're busy juggling child care, housework, all the car travel time, collapsing on the couch, I don't think we have time to assess our loss of good posture, muscle strength and flexibility.
From adolescence we're thinking "What shape am I?" However, that simply clouds our viewpoint even more.When it hurts to turn your neck while driving, or exhausts you to lug groceries from the car, or your two-year-old outruns you, that the hint starts growing in your awareness.
So, where's your weak spot? Your back and shoulders? Lower back? Legs,abdominals? All of the above? Get yourself some wristweights and/or dumb bell free weights or even some soup cans.
My Method When Using Weights
Stretch a little first - the "cat" where on all fours the back is arched, then slowly dropped to a concave position: then get up to stretch your hands as high as possible circling outward and sweeping slowly up.
Move your head around, or better yet, get a book on stretching and another on weight exercises ( the libraries always have several )and go through a series as recommended.
Shoulder Shrugs
After you've warmed your muscles, take your hand weights and shrug your shoulders while keeping a straight arm, roll down and shrug again. Repeat these moves in repetitions of 8-12. I like to start here and add these in between more taxing moves. Ready for more?
Work Those Abs
Something people don't always realize is that strengthening the abdominals improves your back strength and relieves lower back pain. As you improve the strength of the back and abdominal muscles, your posture improves, as well.
That benefit alone can make you look ten pounds thinner! Benefits, benefits!
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography
One way to use weights is to add some challenge to other exercises with wrist or ankle weights that strap on with velcro. Try the leaning camel and then get some floor work done with your crunches.
So, flatten your back to the floor and crunch a little; this is one of the exercises that you can do daily. Confession: no, I don't do these daily, but I think I'll try, how about you?
Cross train
Cross training programs such as The Firm series of videos combine aerobic and weight training. In the video above a workout in a pool of water takes the stress off joints.
There are many books to guide your in the how-tos, and plenty of online information. A set of weights, a video or book, plus a small amount of time, and you are ready to get fit!
Pilates uses resistance as weight training
Weight training has benefits in many areas of health. Indicated for prevention of osteoporosis problems, increases metabolism once muscle mass is increased, besides helping to sculpt your body shape.
If you are like many Christians, it is a temptation to make such a division between the spiritual and the physical that the two realms almost seem mutually exclusive. Or you may not have a spiritual emphasis, but an intellectual one. It is as if to be truly spiritual or intelligent, we must almost deny we have bodies.
This is a grave mistake and not what scripture refers to when we are told to deny the flesh. Since that statement demands some exegesis (or whatever you call bible study), it will have to wait for an addition in the bible section of my page. For now, let's just look at the matter practically and ask these questions:
Things To Ask Ourselves
* Do I need good health to carry out my responsibilities to my family? * If I have physical strength, can I work more effectively taking care of the elderly, the needy, or others who have need of my services? * If I have more energy, could I additionally serve the Lord? In other words, will it prepare me for future ministry?
If You Answered Yes
Now, perhaps you feel more virtuous praying "God, help me lose weight, help me overcome fatigue, or this besetting illness" and then sitting back in faith. Or in your intellectual quest, you are willing to read book after book of self-help or the latest diet.
Now it is time to add works to your faith. Add action to your knowledge.
That is not to say those spiritual things (looking to God for help or asking to be healed) aren't necessary, they are, but we need to add a little balance . Try to eat right, exercise, rest properly...all those things that are the attributes of moderation. And if you carefully read much of the scientific findings on good health you will see it all boils down to being moderate.
"Let your moderation be known to all men".
Philippians 4:5
A word here on what exercise won't do. There is a scripture ( I Timothy 4:8) that states "bodily exercise profiteth little". And that is absolutely true: it profits something, but doesn't take the place of character and spiritual building. One look at the number of athletes with moral problems ought to illustrate that point most eloquently.
Let's say you're ready, convinced that exercise is going to be part of your life, what choices are out there and how will you fit them into your life? What are some choices and what considerations are there for Christian women?
Weight training is important when you live a Western lifestyle (when was the last time you hauled water from a well?). For healthy bones and maintaining muscle strength some form of weights should be used. If you have a body type that bulks up easily, a program like The Firms cross training should work fine since it combines aerobics and light weights.
Martial arts and workouts such as the Tae-bo type should fulfill your aerobic needs, as long as you skip some of the Oriental Philosophy involved. Actually, many forms of exercise have philosophies and sometimes religious beliefs included; if you have qualms about this just avoid that type and make your own program.
Yoga was one form I avoided for awhile since it comes from an Eastern religion, but I found myself doing many of the exercises in my tapes. The stretches are wonderful and you may find the ones you need in one of the Wharton's books, or in a Pilates program, as well as in many videotapes available. The flexibility that stretching gives your body is necessary, the yoga program is not. Choose according to your conscience.
Dance gives gracefulness along with flexibility and aerobics in a fun format. Again, though, some people have reservations and should follow their choice to other forms. But for those who like this way of getting a workout, there are so many types of dance- each with its own feeling and demands. Ballet is athletic, jazzercise is fun way to get fit, bellydance is feminine and sensual, etc.
Take yourself outdoors to witness the glory of God's creation. Begin walking or gardening and if the nasty little creatures are bothering you find some Avon "Skin So Soft" and learn to praise the Lord for the day when there won't be such curses!
What I'm not trying to do is make judgment calls on the forms of exercise and whether you should engage in them.
The Biblical hierarchy is always spiritual first, soul second, body third. One does not nix another, as in forgetting about the body or soul in pursuit of spiritual growth. It might help to remember how interdependent the heart, soul, and body are. How many times is physical health undermined through the damage done to a person's heart and mind? Or vice versa?Â
The Bible addresses "wholeness", and others may use the term "holistic", but the idea is that we are not compartmentalized beings, and fragmenting our view of ourselves leads to poor health.Â
Exercising the body is one part of the wholeness. Not more than building good character or growing spiritually, but alongside these important goals.
There are so many ways to get the bodily exercise you need that there is no reason to wound your conscience by engaging in a type that you are disturbed about.
How can I find the time to exercise? This can be tough when your schedule is already full or you have small children at home (duh, same difference). It is terrific to know that small bites of exercise throughout your day are an accomplishment that can give you results.
Points to Keep in Mind
Move exercise time to the top of your priority list.
Strategize the best times of day to develop a habit.
Determine that your health is important enough to not tolerate competition from other demands.
Vary your exercise efforts and incorporate an element of fun and enjoyment.
Consider using a fitness app or watch to spur you on to exercise regularly throughout the day and week.
Aim for the three to five full workouts, but understand that you will, many times, have to skip some of them. Just be prepared with exercises you can do in the car and at your desk, free weights in the bedroom for some back and arm exercises for five minutes between coffee and the rest of your day or at night while you watch that video or wait for SOME peoples pages to load. We've all been there...
I joined Curves to provide a consistency to my efforts; I found that exercising together with other women in a positive environment is very helpful. We all talk about how it is time that we take for ourselves, because we need it. We are the better for taking the time and those around us are better for it, too!
After Curves, our family signed up for a membership at our local YMCA. I haven't taken classes there, but used the equipment, including treadmills and ellipticals. My grown kids have joined gyms, and these are all helpful ways to stay motivated and put in the time for fitness.
Exercise Will Do You Good
You know it is sort of an overused joke that people who go to fitness clubs jockey for the closest parking spaces. Make up your mind to do a little extra walking, stair climbing (in real life), etc. during your day. This is a great stress reliever, as well; instead of fuming about that creep taking the spot you were waiting for, you are actually thinking Pollyanna thoughts of how good the exercise is since you won't have time for the regular workout this day. REALLY.
This is a totally new way of thinking and very freeing. The workouts you do ought to pay off in more strength for those everyday chores. All work is some sort of exercise! The reason for structured workouts is so that you are building muscles that are somewhat neglected in your daily activities, compensating for the fact that you overwork some muscle groups while underusing others.
Stretching exercises can be squeezed in almost anytime. Stretches, once learned, can be worked into the day to increase flexibility - you won't believe how much better you function after working on lengthening some of your poor contracted muscles!
My favorite way to learn stretch exercises is through (have you guessed?) - a video. Although I did find books from the library and magazine articles which illustrate a regimen to try. However, it is just that I love someone else thinking up the sequences and moves, while I just follow along with music and timing all worked out for me.
How I've been making time for exercise lately
You know how we waste time on Facebook? Frittering away more time than is reasonably rational. Well, we can turn at least some of that into a creative way to get a bit more exercise. All we have to do is use some of the posted videos to turn some of that time into a fitness routine.
My family also uses Amazon Prime often, which saves us money on shipping and more.
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