Happy Easter everyone

Happy Easter!

Barefoot time off for holiday

Hello to every wonderful reader of Almost Barefoot! I'm grateful to all who come to visit and read!

I'm taking some badly-needed time off for this holiday weekend. No matter what your religious or social persuasion, I urge you to take a bit of time out for yourself and your loved ones as well.

Many blessings!

Catch you barefoot.....on Monday!

Barefoot=Awareness

IF YOU'RE ABLE TO FEEL, YOU'RE LIVING FOR REAL..............

There are more nerve endings in the feet than anywhere else in the body. To be barefoot is to heighten you entire level of awareness.

Go barefoot every day and you will be more aware of everything, and therefore more alive.

Barefoot fitness training-a fun, meaningful challenge

 Above: Stacey Lei Krauss leads a transitional pose that fuses a cardio section with Yoga stretches in the Willpower & Grace barefoot fitness sequence.  Below: Stacey Lei leads foot foundation exercise.

Combine two regular ingredients that have never been mixed before, and you may get something really special that's worth reproducing. The instructors at willPower Fitness, one of Denver's newest fitness studios, have cooked up a new recipe that stands out boldly amidst the crowded market of work-out instruction.

I attended two classes this week, on Monday and Tuesday night. I loved the fact that I could do a very full work out without wearing shoes, but it was more than the barefoot factor that made this training an excellent experience that I recommend.

The barefoot factor is important, though, becasue one needs to have strong feet and ankles as a foundation for the rest of the body, and that's something that can't happen with shoes on since shoes don't let your ankles and feet move freely, and thus make many of those muscles dormant. But the willPower workout combines every important aspect of a workout, starting with the feet and going all the way up.

WillPower workouts weave Yoga poses into a  series with cardio work and strength training, but it is more than "Yogarobics".  There are also moves designed especially for building strength fin the feet and the rest of the body from the feet first, a concept ignored in most exercise boot camps or other classes. And the instruction method combines the gentle approach from traditional Yoga with traditional exercise instruction to create a hybrid that is neither wimpy nor overbearing.

These classes are excellent for general strength and cardio training, for the Yogi who wants to move, and as preparation for one of my favorite ways to work out: barefoot running.

As there is more to come on barefoot running, there is more to say about willPower Fitness. If you don't want to take my word for it, then take the class. I have more to say in the coming week as I'll be following this studio closely.

This new fitness opportunity makes me even more excited for a new season of barefoot running classes I'll be scheduling soon.  

Barefoot Fitness

Barefoot fitness is a new and growing trend that is expanding beyond the already-popular realm of Yoga and the increasingly-popular method for running, which I'll discuss in the next posting.

Tonight I'll be visiting a new fitness studio in Denver, CO called willPower FIT Studio which opened in January. The willPower (yes, this is how it is spelled) method was created by Stacey Lei Krauss, and combines many techniques to make an ideal cardio/muscle fitness workout.

And all of it is done barefoot. Need I say more?

The scientific basis for barefoot exercise is well respected here in the numerous programs that are offered. I'm excited to learn this method that blends Yoga with different techniques, and I'll be sharing my experience.





Above: willPower Fit Instructor and creator  Stacey Lei Krauss. Source: Barefoot Education by Virbam FiveFingers

Essenetial advice for every barefoot runner

For every person considering running barefoot......I certainly do recommend doing it, but do heed this advice: take it easy at the beginning.

Taking it easy is a contradiction for most runners, and that includes me and my esteemed coach, Michael Sandler, barefoot running extraordinaire.

If you're accustomed to running with shoes, then keep doing most of your mileage in shoes at first. Pull your shoes off for the last hundred yards or so. It is essential for the skin on your feet to thicken.

I had no coaching when I started barefoot running, and I had only my addiction to it to go on. (I met Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee a few months later) I felt so free, liberated from my joint aches and plantar fasciitis as I ran pain free like a child on the beach in summer.  Then came the big blisters.

I limped for a while once the big blisters showed up; obviously, they took time to heel. I was forced to ease back into it slowly, and in little time, the skin of my feet was like leather, and pebbles on the path were afterthought.

You will likely become addicted to barefoot running once you start because you will feel so good in so many ways, but do give your feet time to adapt. This was the simplest of concepts, and yet it was the hardest for this runner to understand.

More to come on the wonderful sort of barefoot running!

Photo of Vincent by "Barefoot Scott" Jones, Boulder Barefoot Running Club

 

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/7/9/5/highres_11746997.jpeg

Barefoot Running-Easier than you think!

With spring coming, I'm excited to get back to teaching runners the tricks to running in minimalist shoes, and better yet, running without shoes at all. If you're into walking without shoes, running isn't much different.

One difference, it's easier on your feet because when running, your step is actually lighter. There are other thing you need to know before taking it up full time.

I'll be sharing Technical Tidbits about barefoot running from time to time, as well some extensive information on my personal favorite-Yoga. The first programs you'll will be aimed at walkers and runners but are beneficial to every practitioner, even ones who don't even think about running.

Photo of Vincent by "Barefoot Scott" Jones at the Metro State College Veterans' 5K 2009
 

For some great running lectures from the nation's most famous barefoot runner, and the coach who trained me, check out Runebare company's website. Michael and Jessica will be touring and lecturing soon!

Let's not take barefooting for granted

Being barefoot connects us with the Earth and doing so encourages us to seek peace and to want to experience it in our lives.

Today, let's remember those who keep the lines of un-peaceful conflict far from where we live so that we may enjoy our peaceful, barefoot lifestyle.

How many soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines would love to just forget about what they are doing, kick off their shoes and just walk around? When they are on duty, chances are, they can't even think about it or else they can endanger the lives of their comrades and themselves.

So I spend this morning's barefoot time remembering others who sacrifice for me and with gratitude toward them.

Photo by Ahmad Masood/Rueters, published in the Guardian

S

Essential daily barefoot time

Enjoy your barefoot time today. It doesn't have to be a momentous barefoot activity; it can be any activity. Just enjoy it by realizing it. Realizing makes you remember that you are free inside your heart, now and always. You just have to make that connection.

Remebering you are alive...and going barefoot

Going barefoot has become a luxury. The best thing about it being a luxury? It is a luxury that is attainable.

Somewhere in our recent history, going barefoot got labeled as undesirable.  It happened in the mid twentieth century, when affluence from working eight to ten hours a day was attainable, and leisure time was more ample for the affluent middle class.

Since lacking shoes in the past symbolized lack of affluence, barefooting became a symbol of being in a lower class. Society also had a growing tendency to insulate humanity from nature, and barefooting became stigmatized as backward.

Fast forward to now. Rigid corporate codes have become the reality of the workplace, and for many, their job is their whole life. Those who exhibit obvious affluence work incessantly. And few own the businesses they work for, so they are certainly not likely to kick off their shoes.

To be able to go barefoot, just to have that time, is a luxury. So there's just one thing to say to advise anyone who must devote so much time to work life. As soon as you're away from it for the day, DITCH YOUR FOOTWEAR. Be conscious of your barefoot time, no matter what you are doing.

Remember you are alive and enjoy the time to be free.

Barefoot and happy

Good morning barefooters. I thank everyone who has stopped by the read the Barefoot Doctrine, It is the first if many publications that will appear here and eventually elsewhere.

I'm taking today off from writing and will be back tomorrow.

Barefooters of the northern hemisphere....enjoy the awakening spring and let your feet touch the Earth as it warms.

Barefooters of the southern hemisphere, enjoy the autumn transition and relish the cool ground as your feet touch the Earth.

Many blessings!

The Barefoot Doctrine, Entry #10

This is the tenth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.

It is a pleasure to have so many readers. So far, our biggest groups of readers comes from the USA and Germany.

Your comments are very welcome!

Go barefoot to be stronger. Going barefoot means using every muscle in your feet and legs, something you don't do with shoes. It also heightens your awareness and strengthens your natural connection to the Earth, which gives spiritual strength and emotional stability. To be stronger, go barefoot more often!

Go Barefoot in the summer rain-#9 in the barefoot doctrine

This is the ninth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

Go barefoot in the summer rain this will give you a new sense of freedom that you'll remember whenever it rains in the future, even when your shoes are on. To do it is to require you to let your guard down and be alive. For many of us caught in the rat race, it can mean being born again.

How to run barefoot safely

The content of this book was taught to me by the authors. It changed my life. Now I teach barefoot running, too! OK, we can't necessarily go barefoot everywhere we'd like to, but we can live a life that is reasonable, that is, ALMOST BAREFOOT.

You can run any way you want to.

I can attest to the how well this book and movie can help you the way it helped me, and that I  can help you put it into reality!

The book:  "Barefoot Running" by Michael Sandler

The Movie: "Barefoot Running, the Movie!"

The Barefoot Doctrine, Entry # 8

This is the eighth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

Going barefoot is healthy. For your body, it helps end joint pain and develop muscles made dormant by wearing shoes. It also frees your mind and rekindles your natural awareness. 

The Barefoot Doctrine Day VII

This is the seventh of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

Try something barefoot that's not normally done that way. Create something new! Maybe barefoot soccer. The no one needs cleats. The choice is yours. The options are countless.

Day VI of the Barefoot Doctrine

This is the sixth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

THE BAREFOOT DOCTRINE Day VI

Try an athletic activity that's done barefoot There are some wonderful sports and activities that are practiced barefoot. Beach volleyball. Swimming. Pilates. And of course, Yoga. An increasing number of fitness teachers are offering barefoot workout classes, Aerobics to Zumba, and everything in between, including new techniques. Once you try working out this way, you may never go back.

Day V of the Barefoot Doctrine

This is the fifth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

THE BAREFOOT DOCTRINE Day V

When you must ear shoes, wear sandals. They're close to barefoot and help you keep your sense of freedom. If a closed-toe shoe is necessary, wear clogs. They can be worn without socks and you can kick them off under a desk and be barefoot for a while. 

This is the fourth of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

The Barefoot Doctrine, Day IV

Take a barefoot walk or a run. If you're not normally into taking runs or walks, you'll feel the significance easier becasue the experience will be so new.Take a walk to the mail box, around the block, or in a park.Venture beyond your normal boundaries while barefoot and your body will be stimulated to open your mind and heart to a newer, freer state.

The Barefoot Doctrine, Day III

This is the third of ten entries that comprise the Barefoot Doctrine.
 
Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

THE BAREFOOT DOCTRINE Day III

3. Practice Yoga. If you already practice Yoga, practice a bit more. Make it a bigger part of your life.
Yoga is the oldest surviving athletic discipline still practiced in its original form today. Olympic events might be just as old, but how many athletes practice them barefoot?  Yoga is always practiced barefoot. It gives you connection with the ground and reconnects you with the planet's magnetic pulse, which is the same magnetic pulse rate as that of your body and of all living creatures.  

Barefoot Doctrine, Day II

The Barefoot Doctrine......Day II

2. Go barefoot outdoors each day for at least a short time and make not of how it feels. What makes it different? What makes it significant?

The Barefoot Doctrine

This is the first of ten entries that comprise the barefoot doctrine.

Check each day for a new posting.  When the doctrine is complete, it will live on a website or blog of its own. Details to come.

THE BAREFOOT DOCTRINE

1. Go barefoot in your home forever more. If you already do, then take some time every day to slow down and be aware the you are barefoot. Feel, and remember how you feel and what makes it significant. 
2.  Go barefoot outdoors each day for at least a short time and make not of how it feels. What makes it different? What makes it significant? 
3.  Practice Yoga. If you already practice Yoga, practice a bit more. Make it a bigger part of your life. Yoga is the oldest surviving athletic discipline still practiced in its original form today. Olympic events might be just as old, but how many athletes practice them barefoot?  Yoga is always practiced barefoot. It gives you connection with the ground and reconnects you with the planet's magnetic pulse, which is the same magnetic pulse rate as that of your body and of all living creatures.   
4. Take a barefoot walk or a run. If you're not normally into taking runs or walks, you'll feel the significance easier becasue the experience will be so new.Take a walk to the mail box, around the block, or in a park.Venture beyond your normal boundaries while barefoot and your body will be stimulated to open your mind and heart to a newer, freer state. 
5.  When you must ear shoes, wear sandals. They're close to barefoot and help you keep your sense of freedom. If a closed-toe shoe is necessary, wear clogs. They can be worn without socks and you can kick them off under a desk and be barefoot for a while. 
6. Try an athletic activity that's done barefoot There are some wonderful sports and activities that are practiced barefoot. Beach volleyball. Swimming. Pilates. And of course, Yoga. An increasing number of fitness teachers are offering barefoot workout classes, Aerobics to Zumba, and everything in between, including new techniques. Once you try working out this way, you may never go back.
7. Try something barefoot that's not normally done that way. Create something new! Maybe barefoot soccer. The no one needs cleats. The choice is yours. The options are countless.
8. Going barefoot to be healthy. For your body, it helps end joint pain and develop muscles made dormant by wearing shoes. It also frees your mind and rekindles your natural awareness. 
9. Go barefoot in the summer rain this will give you a new sense of freedom that you'll remember whenever it rains in the future, even when your shoes are on. To do it is to require you to let your guard down and be alive. For many of us caught in the rat race, it can mean being born again.
10. Go barefoot to be stronger. Going barefoot means using every muscle in your feet and legs, something you don't do with shoes. It also heightens your awareness and strengthens your natural connection to the Earth, which gives spiritual strength and emotional stability. To be stronger, go barefoot more often!

More to come, and comments are very welcome!