Good Shoes Really Do Make a Difference

It's not like I hadn't heard this before.

For as many articles as I've read on fitness and people I've talked to, I should have realized that my shoes had reached their mileage limit and that it was time to upgrade to a new model.

Since I've started my cardio classes at Extreme Pump It Up Fitness, I've been wondering why my feet hurt so much before I'm even halfway through the session. Part of me wanted to believe that it's because I still have a lot of extra weight putting pressure there, and I'm sure that is still a part of it.

But last week it finally dawned on me that my shoes had been around the block quite a few times. And probably because most of those trips around the block consisted of walking, I didn't notice until I was doing higher impact exercises that these shoes were not giving me enough support.

So I finally got a new pair of shoes. These shoes give me much better support and cushioning to perform the moves that I need to do now. I missed Monday's class because of an 8th grade parents' meeting, but I debuted my new kicks last night to rave reviews - not only from my instructor Sophia, but also from myself as I was able to make it through the entire class without foot pain. The difference was truly like night and day!

I know I had to spend a few bucks on a good pair of shoes, but in the long run I know they will pay for themselves. It would have been more expensive (and painful) to deal with continuous foot pain and possible shin splints from the pounding. Plus, if I'm in pain I'm not performing at my best. That would be a waste of class time and cheating myself out of a better workout. Our time is precious, and we all need to make the most out of every workout and have the ability to perform at our best.

I do still use the old shoes for spin, since they are comfortable and work well with the foot cages. My feet don't go through nearly as much impact on the bike, and this pair will work well until I purchase spin shoes that are just for use on those bikes. That will be another good investment when the time is right.

But I'm glad I didn't hold off any longer on new shoes for my other cardio. The right shoes really do make the difference...so if you've been putting it off, replace your shoes to protect your legs and feet!

How Shoes are Get it Done

As part of the Ohio Blogger's Association's Cleveland November Blog Swap, I'd like you to meet my guest blogger for today, Jenn at Love Me Some Shoes. Many of us who call Northeast Ohio home are participating in this blog swap today as a way for you to get to know more of us. For a complete list of today's Blog Swap participants, please visit Alicia at Poise in Parma, who rocks for organizing all of this. If you would like to see my guest post for today, I'm over on Julie's blog Wearing Mascara. And Julie's post is at Jen's. Got it? Good - hope you enjoy! :o)

Wow-a whole day on someone else's blog...could get dangerous! Thanks, Marie, for this stellar opportunity plus your blog is pretty awesome! So, lets get to it-by popular belief, many believe high heels are detrimental to your health...lets be honest, sure they might cause a little soreness (but if you are following Julie's tips for a healthy lifestyle, your ankles, calves and body should be able to take care of itself as long as you are smart about your heel purchases). I am here to tell you why they are good for your health. Hopefully, by now we have all learned that confidence is a key ingredient to life...did you know heels can you afford this in your daily life? Case in point, I recently had a job interview that I thought was a little above my experience level, but I knew I needed a to boost my confidence. I needed to bring in the big guns, and live on the edge...

These beauties may look a little lethal but when properly sized and belted in are nothing but little soft grey clouds-honest, I swear. And there I had it, POWER SHOES, I walked, no rather, I strutted into my job interview in Westake, knocked them dead, impressed the women in the office, and put another notch on the old self confidence belt. Needless to say, I start December 5th! So long, old boring job.

Sure some people will think this is vanity, but I have never felt so powerful, strong in a feminine way, and confident as I do when I have a perfect pair of shoes to compete in the either the work force or socially. Try it out...you are not vain, its human nature and its character building! Plus you look pretty bad ass stomping through Cleveland with some killer heels!

And in regards to other shoes...I believe if you love your shoes, that they are clean (you know what I am talking about), and that they have somewhat of a style, your self image will soar. Its easy, and to be honest, shoes are available at every price point in every market and probably end up being the cheapest accessory for any woman's outfit.

What do you have to lose?

Thanks for taking a look and check out more at lovemesomeshoes.wordpress.com. And again, thank you, Marie!

Jenn Who Loves Shoes

Thank you Jen! I will be visiting your blog often, as I have developed my own love affair with shoes over the past few years. And yes...my husband knows all about it!