There’s nothing I love more than a great pair of shoes.
When I used to shop for workout shoes, I never even thought about the impact my shoes had on my pelvic floor. Instead, I focused on the fun aspects of shoe shopping!
You were probably just as surprised as I was to learn that the shoes you wear play a critical role when training your pelvic floor. Pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in overall health and well-being. For mamas like us, strengthening these muscles helps with bladder control and preventing pelvic organ prolapse.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best shoes to wear when strength training as well as why it’s important to wear minimalist shoes when training your pelvic floor.
What Kind of Shoes Should I Wear When Strength Training?
When choosing workout shoes, ditch the fluffy sneakers with tons of cushion.
Instead, make sure your shoes are bendable, have a wide toe box, and minimal (to no) heel drop. This is especially applicable when lifting weights.
Why it’s Important to Wear Minimalist Shoes When Training Your Pelvic Floor
1. Relaxed Pelvic Floor Muscles
Flat, minimalist shoes encourage a barefoot-like walking pattern, reducing strain on the pelvic floor and allowing the pelvic muscles to stay naturally relaxed.
2. Improved Kinesthetic Sense
Traditional shoes with thick soles and arch support can reduce your body’s awareness of its movement in your feet (known as your body’s kinesthetic sense).
3. Greater Sensory Feedback From Ground
Minimalist shoes with thinner soles and wider toe boxes offer stronger sensory feedback from the ground, encouraging your feet and core muscles to actively engage. This heightened awareness can lead to better control and activation of your pelvic floor muscles during exercise and daily activities.
4. Promotes Natural Foot Strength
Our feet are designed to be strong and flexible, acting as the foundation for our entire body. Traditional shoes with extra cushion and support can weaken the muscles in our feet, which leads us to rely on external support. Minimalist shoes allow your feet to move naturally, encouraging these muscles to work harder. This ultimately contributes to a stronger core and pelvic floor.
5. Enhances Gait Efficiency
The way we walk can impact our pelvic floor health. Studies have found that minimalist shoes may promote a more natural gait, reducing stress on the knees and hips. This improved gait can also lead to better engagement of the core muscles, including the pelvic floor, for better stability and support.
6. Bonus: Minimalist Shoes Improve Running Speed and Longevity
If you’re a runner, this study also found that minimalist shoes are the best type of shoe to wear to maximize speed and longevity.
Final Takeaways
Minimalist shoes can be a valuable tool, but they shouldn’t replace dedicated pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic floor training is still key.
Join me at Get Mom Strong to get in the best shape of your life, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle (without gross dieting), and strengthen your pelvic floor.