FitSugar

Do You Like Working Out Barefoot?

Michele Foley — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 03:47:47 PST

While working out on the stationary bike a few weeks ago, I had the incredible urge to take off my shoes. I don't know exactly how to explain it except to say that my feet felt disconnected with the rest of my body. Kicking off my shoes worked like a charm; my feet felt engaged, and I felt more grounded to the bike. I've been doing it ever since - whenever I work out at home to one of my fitness DVDs, I do it without shoes on. I was apprehensive at first and had the usual worries about support, stability, and shock absorbency, but I've had much better workouts this way. In fact, I'm performing many of the exercises with more control and balance, and my feet and leg muscles feel like they are getting a better workout because the muscles are more engaged.

Barefoot running is slowly growing, and professionals in fields like dance and circus arts regularly train barefoot - how about you?

What Lurks in the Grass

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:00:00 PDT

Barefoot and fancy free? Think again. Dermatologist Judith Hellman explained recently to the New York Times about the dangers lurking in the grass. Check out these reasons for you to keep your flip-flops on when out at the park lounging on the lawn.

Sharp blades of grass can cut the soles of your feet, creating an entryway for germs and bacteria.
Plantar warts and athlete's foot can live on grass so you can pick them up at the park, not just the pool.
Hookworm larvae can live in animal feces (read dog poo) and can cause an infection.
The soil-based bacterium, Nocardia, can cause an infection, which can lead to lumps, abscesses, and ulcerations.
Stepping on rusty metal, like nails, can cause tetanus – when was the last time you had your tetanus shot?

Think twice before going barefoot and fancy free.

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Happy Hour: Barefoot Bubbly Chardonnay

partysugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:27:33 PDT

Recently I had the chance to taste Barefoot's new Bubbly Chardonnay. Like a classic Chardonnay, it has a fresh fruit aroma, citrus apple flavor, and golden straw color. The body is refreshing and buoyant and the finish is crisp and light. The best thing about this bubbly is the incredible price; I've spotted it at Trader Joe's for only $4.99!

If you plan on hosting a Mother's Day brunch or shower and need to stock up on a good, affordable sparkling wine, I highly recommend you try Barefoot's Bubbly Chardonnay. It also makes a perfect bubbly for cocktails like a mimosa or bellini.

Running Barefoot

FitSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

I love when the weather gets warmer and I can finally wear flip flops and let the wind blow through my toes. Feeing the cool grass beneath my feet is what spring is all about.

Other people have taken it to the next level and run barefoot. Some athletes train and compete shoeless, like South African runner Zola Budd, a former Olympic track and field competitor.

So why do they do it? To prove they can withstand pain? To show how tough they are? Have they lost their sneakers?

Some barefoot runners like the way the ground feels on the soles of their feet, like the grounding sensation that allows you to balance in a yoga pose. Plus shoes can be constricting, and when your feet are bare, you can really spread your toes out and grip the ground.

When you run barefoot, your muscles are in control instead of your shoe, so some feel it makes their feet stronger, which improves their performance. Shoes also add weight to your feet, so running barefoot could improve your speed.

Some barefoot runners say they have fewer injuries when running shoe-less. Sneakers can cause blisters, calluses, and toe numbness, so some runners do it because it's more comfortable.

Want to know some other reasons why people run barefoot? Then

read more Also, when you wear sneakers, you are depriving yourself of a very important aspect of running - feedback. The ability to know you are landing too hard, or on the wrong spot of your foot, is essential in learning to run gently, smoothly, efficiently, and without the risk of injury. Wearing sneakers makes your foot blind to those sensations. Another great thing about running without sneaks is a greater sense of awareness. You pay more attention to your surroundings, especially to the ground below. You've got to be super focused so you don't step on a piece of glass or small pebble. You also become more aware of your form - being accurate with each stride and careful not to drag your toes. Well, it's something to think about. Have any of you ever tried barefoot running? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Source

Scarlett Johansson Is a Minimalist Runner - Are You?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 18:12:00 PDT

Scarlett Johansson took to the streets in a pair of bright pink Vibram FiveFingers during a run with beau Sean Penn and friend Owen Wilson. The threesome made their way through a Los Angeles neighborhood together, and Scarlett demonstrated that like Reese Witherspoon, she is a midfoot striker. Striking the ground with your midfoot provides greater shock absorption than heel striking, and it puts less strain on your calf muscle and Achilles tendon. One of the benefits of running barefoot or with a minimalist running shoe is that it encourages you to improve your gait and posture. Looks like it might be working for Scarlett!

How Much Do You Know About the Barefoot Contessa?

Susannah Chen — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:00:55 PST

Happy Birthday, Ina Garten! Today, the Food Network star and celebrity food personality turns another year older, ringing in her 64th.

The Barefoot Contessa, as her fans call her, is always cool and collected when it comes to elegant home entertaining. How much do you know about her interesting life and accomplishments? Find out when you take this quiz!

Source

Take the Quiz

A Look Back at the Barefoot Running Trend

Leta Shy — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:06:55 PST

Are we better runners when the shoes come off? That's the question more runners are asking, thanks to the growing popularity of barefoot running, one of this year's biggest running trends.

It's not a new trend, however. Serious runners have been braving the asphalt sans shoes professionally for decades (some have even competed in the Olympics without them!), but the movement started gaining even more traction with the 2009 publication of the book Born to Run, in which author Christopher McDougall explores how members of a Mexican Indian tribe have learned to run hundreds of miles continuously, injury-free, wearing only thin sandals on their feet. The book's promotion of barefoot running has led to a marked increase in runners who decided to ditch their heavier running shoes for minimalist pairs, or nothing at all!

It may not be new, but 2011 was definitely the year of the minimalist/barefoot running trend. Here at FitSugar we got a jumpstart by trying it out for ourselves late last year. Turns out, barefoot running is comfortable (especially on a treadmill over asphalt) and correcting; see for yourself how much your gait can change with this video comparing minimalist running with normal running shoes.

Celebs love barefoot running too! Read on for more about the trend after the break.

Tips For Practicing Yoga in the Winter

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:24:08 PST

When cold, brisk air is blowing outside, I crave practicing yoga in a heated room. Walking around barefoot in a tank top and feeling the warm arm on my skin is incredibly liberating. Practicing yoga in the Winter is a little different than in the summertime, so here are some things you should keep in mind until the thaw.

Don't just head to class in your just your capris. Be sure to wear warm layers over your yoga outfit. A warm body is less prone to injury.
If you live in a very cold climate, try to get to class at least 10 minutes early to sit in the hot room to allow your muscles to warm up before diving into Downward Dog. Do some Sun Salutations on your own to warm up faster.
To avoid getting sick, ask the instructor not to assist you. They touch every other body in the room, so there's a good chance they can pass germs on to you.
If you have a cold, stay home. I know you think a hot, sweaty yoga class is just the thing you need to kick your cold and unclog your stuffy nose, but be considerate of the other yogis in the class. This is a great time to test out your home practice or use your favorite yoga DVDs.
Use your own yoga mat and never borrow studio or gym mats. It's hard to know when they were last washed or what kind of germs may be living them. Along the same lines, don't let anyone borrow your mat either.
Make sure to bring a change of warm, dry clothes. You don't want to stay in your damp yoga outfit and step outside in the cold air. Cold weather doesn't make you sick, but it sure challenges your immune system.

Ina Garten: Love Her or Leave Her?

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:37:25 PDT

I was disappointed to hear that one of my favorite Food Network personalities, Ina Garten (or the Barefoot Contessa), has turned down the request to cook with a Make-A-Wish cancer patient. Apparently, a 6-year-old boy with leukemia asked to cook with Garten not once, but twice - and he was repeatedly told no. According to Garten's reps, the Hamptons chef is currently too busy to meet with the boy. For years, I've been a huge fan of Garten and her reliable, delicious recipes. However, this makes me wonder if it's just an act. How do you feel about her?

Update: It turns out that Garten wasn't aware of the boy's request and she has agreed to meet with him and his family!

Should You Start Barefoot Running?

Leta Shy — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:26:08 PDT

Has the sight of celebs traipsing around town in Vibram FiveFingers made you anxious to start barefoot running? Responding to the minimalist shoe craze, the American Council on Exercise decided to test out those barefoot running shoes to see how they fared for normal everyday runners. The council tested Vibram's Bilkia model on 16 recreational joggers and compared their performance running in these shoes, regular neutral shoes, and running barefoot. So, should you dip your toes into the barefoot running trend? Read on to find out the pros and cons of running like your ancestors after the break.