Recognize that getting healthy has become too complicated and actively seek to simplify your approach to well-being, as this podcast aims to provide simple, actionable tips.
Be barefoot yourself when playing or exercising with your children, as kids are more likely to adopt behaviors they see their parents doing rather than just being told what to do.
Do not rush into wearing barefoot shoes for intense activities like sport. Instead, gradually phase into barefoot footwear by using them in your everyday life and allowing your feet to adapt over time.
Wear as little shoe as possible, as often as possible, by going barefoot around your house and getting out into your garden without shoes to re-awaken your feet.
Incorporate simple foot exercises into your daily routine, such as scrunching your toes, moving your big toes, or rolling your feet over a ball, to wake up and strengthen your feet.
Move more throughout the day, recognizing that movement is fundamental to brain function. Specifically, practice squatting and balancing to improve flexibility in your ankles and hips.
Instead of relying on orthotics, focus on reconditioning your feet through exercises and natural movement. This can help flat feet develop an arch and alleviate related pain, as experienced by the host.
Be mindful of how thick-soled, cushioned shoes can alter your biomechanics and gait, potentially leading to back or hip pain. Opt for minimalist shoes to maintain natural foot function.
If you must wear shoes, choose barefoot shoes that are flat, wide, and have very thin soles. This allows your feet to move and function naturally, promoting strength and health.
Allow children’s feet to develop naturally by avoiding shoes that compress or deform them. This prevents bad movement habits and chronic pain later in life, ensuring feet look and function as they should.
Adopt the habit of taking your shoes off when you enter your house. This cultural practice increases barefoot time and allows your feet to work naturally throughout the day.
If you plan to run in barefoot shoes, ensure your feet are strong first by walking in them daily. This gradual strengthening process helps prevent injuries that can occur from suddenly changing running mechanics.
Understand that how you use your feet in your everyday life is more important than how you use them during short periods of exercise. Focus on low-intensity, natural foot use daily to transform foot health.
Be aware that modern narrow shoes can deform children’s feet and contribute to problems like bunions in adults. Choose footwear that allows toes to splay out naturally.
For elderly individuals with balance issues, encourage wearing barefoot shoes to increase proprioception and sensory information from the feet to the brain, which can lead to rapid improvements in balance.
Consider reading ‘Born to Run’ by Chris McDougall, as it is a gripping read that provides scientific insights into natural movement and can inspire you to think more about your feet.