Runners

MAT Benefits

MAT for Runners

What shoe is best for you?

At Activation Fitness, we believe a thorough evaluation of your mechanics is necessary before determining what shoe is best for you.  There are 26 bones in the foot and ankle!  It is an extremely complex structure. In order to evaluate it appropriately, we must look at each major joint and axis of motion individually. 

The human body is designed to run barefoot.  This realization explains the “minimalist” running movement.  However, running barefoot is not for everyone in their current state.  Adequate strength and mobility must be restored.  Endurance in these muscles must be built up as you gradually progress to less and less support.    

MAT can be an integral part of this process.  If injury and/or restrictive footwear has caused muscle weakness, or there has been adaptive shortening, these muscles must be specifically addressed in order to safely transition into a less supportive shoe. 

When you are able to run with less support, it is an enlightening experience and you will never go back!  Your body will be able to shock absorb naturally far better than any amount of rubber in your shoe. You will not need the support anymore because your muscles will provide it!  Going through appropriate motion at the foot/ankle will alleviate stress on the knees, hips, back and shoulders. 

 

Below are some studies and videos regarding "barefoot running."

A quote from the first article:

“The point is, changing how you run, whether by technique training or a change in shoes (like running barefoot) will load muscles that may be very weak, and joints and tendons well beyond their means.  If however, you are a habitually barefoot runner, then you can do this, because your body has been prepared for it.  For everyone else, I think we may be underestimating the time it will take to transition successfully to barefoot...”