Stability Running Shoes Recommendations

Do Normal People Need Special Running Shoes?

Admin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:41:13 +0000

Quite a question isn’t it? If you want the short answer: YES. Read on find out why normal people need special running shoes.

First we have to define what a normal person is when it comes to running. Specifically we are dealing with foot types. A normal person will have normally shaped feet. Feet commonly fall into three accepted types: the Flat footed; the Highly Arched feet; and the medium Arched or Normal Arched Feet.

The distinction between these types of feet is very important because it has a very big role on how a runner runs. When people run their feet rolls inwards after impacting the ground. This means that the foot usually does a sideward roll from the outer ankle towards the centerline in between the legs.

This is called pronation and is biomechanical adaptation of the human body to disperse the shock of each foot fall when running. Without this motion our feet and legs would absorb too much impact when running and endure a lot of injuries.

Because of a host of reasons more people pronate outside the acceptable standard for normal pronation. Those who roll their feet inwards too excessively are called overpronators. You can identify and overpronator because of their duck like walk. Their feet almost look as if it is kicking sideways.

An underpronator on the other hand often runs on rails. On severe cases only the outer most portion of their feet touch the ground. People, with feet that are classified as normal, fall in between overpronators and underpronators.

About 50% of all the population can be classified as having normal arches. A staggering forty-five of people posses low to flat arch feet. Only about 5% of population have highly arched feet. These numbers are commonly accepted to be true in the running community. However with the obesity epidemic more and more people are beginning to have collapsed arches.

So the scenario is moving towards flat feet becoming the new normal feet. The displaced group of normal footed runners will become the 2^nd most abundant. This in itself will aggravate an ongoing problem with running shoes.

Normal arch runners often believe they overpronate too much or underpronate slightly. Because the overpronation motion is often exaggerated by people when they have their gaits analyzed. This is because people often want to find something wrong with their bodies.

This spells disaster when normal people think they need shoes for flat feet. This will cause them to develop foot problems thinking that it was caused by the shoes lacking in support. They tend to try more and more supportive shoes to combat overpronation and ultimately develop leg problems.

That leaves us with a group of runners who are often faced with the hardest choice in selecting the right pair of shoes for running. In light of all these we can conclude that people with normal feet require special running shoes.

Runners who possess normal feet require stability running shoes. Reading about them is the best way to choose which one you need. The ASICS GT 2150 is the best example of shoes that provide stability.

Running in an Urban World – A Runners Guide to Avoiding Pollution

Admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:57:15 +0000

By Al M. Kind

Aside from safety concerns runners who dwell in tightly packed urban areas have to deal with pollution. It would be counter-productive to continue on running while developing major lung problems. Though pollution in a large city is unavoidable, a runner can take these three simple steps to minimize the harmful effects of pollution.

Running On Off Peak Hours

To save yourself from the nasty emissions of combustion based vehicles it is best to try and avoid them totally. Running during hours of least traffic will ensure that you will get the least polluted air possible.

Different roads have different peak hours. So make sure you try and find out which times are least to have vehicles in your route. This may mean that you will have to wake up earlier or start out later than most people’s morning run.

Avoiding Highly Polluted Routes

This may be simple statement but avoiding areas that usually have traffic jams is good for minimizing your inhaled toxins. Road junctions, convenience store locations or roads leading to large interstates are best left to vehicles only.

Urban dwelling might also be close to industrial factories. It is best to avoid them especially at mornings when dirty chemical ridden air comes down. Sewerage substations are also places you should avoid since they are a source of nasty bacteria that can give you lung infections.

The ideal places to run on in an urbanized setting are those back alleys or purely residential areas. Running here can mean fewer distractions and fewer vehicles that are the source of stuff that may mess up your lungs.

Wearing a Mask

Wearing masks may be a bit weird. But if you visit some countries like China or Japan it seems to be a common sight. With the height of airborne virus threats like swine flu, wearing a mask will not only prevent you from inhaling lead but also keep you safe from other people’s germs.

If you cannot stand the thought of being Darth Vader of the streets at least bring a handkerchief or a small towel to cover your nose with. Inhaling the deadly smoke from cars could be as worse to your health as smoking.

A runner can minimize exposure to pollution while running in an urbanized placed if he follows these three simple steps. It may require a lot of tweaking in your running schedule and route but if you value your health you will want to avoid inhaling polluted gases as much as possible. You may also find it difficult to wear a mask or cover your nose. This little inconvenience will greatly decrease the amount of pollution your body takes in.

Al Kind loves running and reviews running shoes. Check what he selected as the Best Women’s Stability Running Shoes on his website. Stability Running Shoes are for people who are lucky enough to have normally arched feet.

Stability Running Shoe

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:28:35 +0000

Read on our concise guide on these shoes meant for people who have normally high arched feet.

What is a Stability Running Shoe?

Put simply a stability running shoe is a type of shoe that brings the right balance of cushioning and support (a milder form of motion control). Why? Because runners who are blessed with moderate arches generally do not need pronation control or adjustment.

A stability running shoe is a compromise between a cushioning shoe (also known as neutral) and a very supportive motion control one. Normal arches tend to fall in between the two extremes of flat footedness and extremely high arches. People who have the normal foot type can be very efficient runners.

Should I wear a Stability Running Shoe?

If you are on this page you will most likely do. In fact the majority of all runners should be wearing this type of shoe because most people have moderate arches. Look at the arch of your foot do you think it’s unremarkable? That is a big indicator that you will be needing stability.

Another test is to wet your foot and check to see its imprint. If it looks like a regular imprint then you are all set. Irregular imprints will show either a very flat foot or a foot imprint that will barely have “mass” on the inside medial side.

One last practical way to know if you have a normal arch is by comparing it to your friends. If you just look average then you probably are normal. Lastly, if it never really occurred to you what type of foot you have then you’ll be probably normal again.

Flat footed people will know they are flat footed. High arched runners as well will know very well if they have high arches. This is because they will struggle to find comfortable shoes (that aren’t running shoes).

Wear stability running shoes if you have a normal arch. Very few people with normal arches require anything else.

What are the Benefits of wearing Stability Running Shoes?

Better injury protection
More comfortable ride
Faster running
Reduced pain

Running shoes is all about wearing the right type. Wearing stiff motion control sneakers will hurt you in the long run. Also neutral shoes may not provide enough support for your perfect levels of pronation (the way the foot rolls upon impact – this motion disperses jarring forces).

Is there a risk if I don’t wear stability running shoes?

The risk of course is injuries like plantar fasciitis, knocking knees, pain on the bones of the feet and even up to your lower back. Short term risk includes runs that will be cut short because of discomfort. Blisters and nagging pain in the knees.

What models do you recommend?

We’ve done the research for you. You will want the following top stability shoes for 2010.

Asics GT 2150

Arguably the most popular stability running shoe the Asics GT 2150 continues to bring the best balance between cushioning and support all at a very agreeable $ 100 USD price point

New Balance MR 1225

A legend among normal arched runners the 1225 is the best shoe for those wanting a lighter pair.

Nike LunarGlide+

The LunarGlide+ is not only a good looking shoe it is a good Value at a street price of around $ 100 USD at well. Given what it can do (it dynamically provides support and cushion when needed) it really is a bargain.

Will a stability running shoe really “stabilize” my feet?

A stability running shoe will “stabilize” your feet, yes. How does it accomplish this? With any given number of elements in the shoe. Common stabilizing features include medial posts which just have enough strength to give you the support you need and great uppers with strengthened lines that make the shoe hug your feet.

A word of warning – Overpronation

A lot of people overestimate their pronation levels. When people first hear about pronation they realize that their heels/foot rolls from outside in (when viewed from behind). This makes them conscious on their next run. It is a common tendency to overdo this motion once you get to know its existence.

Therefore a lot of people feel that they need motion control running shoes to overcome what they think is overpronation. This is one of the most common mistakes a new runner makes. Be sure to check your arch and gait. Give some time on checking out if you really overpronate. Although there are a lot of people who overpronate not everyone does. And picking out shoes for ovepronation will most likely give a very unpleasant running experience both in the short and long term.

Three More House Work Ideas That Help You Burn Fat

Admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:55:38 +0000

By Al M. Kind

The a previous article House Work Ideas That Help You Burn fat we discussed how washing the dishes and scrubbing the bathroom can be treated as exercises that can actually help you burn fat.

This article will discuss a few more house work ideas that will aid in your fat loss goals. Read on below to find out more.

Washing the Car

Washing the car alone each morning alone can make you lose 10 pounds in a year. Like washing dishes you wash the car swiftly. Never get interrupted and move around you car mitts quick and fast. A popular technique is to wash, soap, and rinse one panel at a time. This can be very demanding if you work yourself up quickly.

Treat it like you treat your high intensity interval cardio. You should not take more than 20 minutes washing the car. Doing it by panels makes you concentrate at one point at time. Do not stop and pause before each panel completes the preferred cycle of cleaning.

If it has been more than 20 minutes and you have not finished the whole car then leave the rest for the next day. This is a very intense exercise when done properly. Remember to shut out the world while doing each body panel.

Cleaning the Ceiling

Reaching the ceiling with dusters, brooms and other lengthy cleaning gadgets can be like yoga. It is not meant to be intense. Try reaching out and breathing deeply. This will increase your flexibility and enhance your diaphragm.

It really works well as the stretch on high enough ceilings can stretch muscles that are not usually used. Using a ladder can be helpful as you increase your agility while balancing. Believe it or not this is a very good exercise to strengthen the abdominal walls.

You will experience at tighter mid section and more fluid body with all the stretching you will be doing when reaching up to the ceilings. As a bonus you may even temporarily increase your height by half an inch provided that enough stretching of your spine happens.

Tending to the Lawn

This was probably the most popular outdoor home activity that could be called exercise. Unfortunately, no one really does this anymore. Lawn mower brochures have been replaced with IPOD magazines or digital single reflex camera catalogs.

If you have a lawn you should stop paying kids to mow them and do it yourself. It is better if you do it manually rather than use a powered mower. Go find an old school push reel lawn mower and start exercising! This can be an intense form of cardio which can equal running.

Doing this consistently and with a sense of urgency will make your heart rate go up. And doing it for an extended period of time will make it like steady state cardio, at 60% to 70% of your maximum heart rate.

Looking for the right pair of running shoes for that late evening run? Check the Brooks Trance Running Shoes. It is one of the best Stability Running Shoes meant for normal people to wear.

Cardiovascular Exercise – Adopting the Right Mindset

Admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:54:14 +0000

By Al M. Kind

Cardiovascular exercise can be a huge mountain for many. Everyone thinks about how long it will take and will try to do everything they can to delay or skip a session. You may think that you are lazy and feel miserable when your body tells you to not start your cardiovascular exercise session.

Do not worry you are not lazy nor are you a loser. The only difference between those who are able to consistently do their cardio sessions and those who do it in spurts is thought. Trying to think about when to do cardio will kill even the most motivated athlete’s enthusiasm.

Because procrastination will stymie even the most determined person in achieving his goal, it is important to keep in mind that the best time to do cardiovascular exercise is now. The following situations below are those we commonly face every time we decide to do cardio.

“Now Rather Than Later”

Almost everyone will be at a situation where their exercise goals will be compromised when life gets in the way. Your job, your kids or even your internet time will get in the way of doing your cardio. If you find asking yourself if you should do cardio, then you should do it right that moment.

“Morning Rather Than Evening”

The ever famous debate on morning versus evening cardio exercise is still being fought today. Lifestyles have drastically changed now compared to a couple of decades ago. Most people lack sleep and carry a lot of stress compared to before.

Everyone can wake up an hour early to perform their cardio. It may pretty much ruin your mood right when you wake up but the “cardio high” that you will get feel for the rest of the day will make up for it. Also doing it first thing in the morning should pretty much guarantee that nothing will interrupt you into performing your cardio session.

“Today Rather Than Tomorrow”

If the world spun in reverse and people would work on tomorrow for today we would not have an obesity epidemic. Our ability to put off cardio for tomorrow when it can be done today is amazing. This goes in line with the New Year’s resolution habit.

It is important that you wake up and performs your cardio exercise without ever thinking if you can make up for it by doing twice the amount the day after. Leaving yourself no choice but doing cardio this very day will do wonders for your fitness goals.

Cardio done consistently without procrastinating is cardio that works. And when cardio works consistently your fitness goals will follow accordingly. Whether it be losing a hundred pounds or strengthening your heart adopting a “present action” mindset is the key to fulfilling these goals.

Al Kind is writing about fitness and the mind. Check out his latest work on of stability running shoes shoes that are meant for people with standard feet. Engr. Kind discuses New Balance Stability Shoes as well which are considered among the best running shoes in the industry.

Spontaneous Jogging – Make the Most Out of Your Breaks

Admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 03:53:03 +0000

By Al M. Kind

Without question almost everyone wants to be healthy. Maintaining our body is not about discipline for most people, rather it is about not having enough time in a day to fit in an exercise program.

It is common to hear people that you just need 45 minutes of exercise JUST 4 to 5 times weekly to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However those 45 minutes can easily double once you take preparation, travel and recovery time.

The realistic time spent on fitness activities would actually be around 2 to 3 hours a day. This is a lot of time for anyone to allot just for keeping their health in check. We can argue that it does take an investment on time to be healthy but for people in the real world this amount of time is simply impossible to make.

Between two jobs, taking care of the children, an MBA program or just plain enjoying your leisure time (which can be as important to health as exercise) there really isn’t enough time to exercise for some people.

The ideal exercise is something that we actually need to do while living our lives. Nature designed our bodies to adapt to the demands of our daily lives. One of the main reasons for obesity today is the lack of activity.

Our lives have grown too convenient that we no longer need to tax ourselves physically to survive. Therefore our waists grow in response to these conveniences we enjoy.

A good activity to do when you are pressed for time is what I call “Spontaneous Jogging.” This involves just suddenly running instead of waking to where you are headed. It could be on your way to lunch or on your way to your car.

If you are a fan of Star Trek there was an episode on which people just run or hopped to anywhere they went. These aliens resembled Olympic Athletes in physique and vitality. This only goes to show that even a long time ago someone had a great idea that walking should be permanently replaced with jogging.

If you are worried about looking weird to people around you, you could be more discrete. You can lace up some running shoes and bring some running gear around which you could change into while spontaneously running at lunch time.

If you live work on a multiple level building then it might be best to go to work on your running gear and taking the stairs running. Once you get up to your floor you can head to the nearest bathroom and change into something more suited for your office.

Running sporadically and spontaneously is so effective that there are even “programs” dedicated to it. This is a milder version of HIIT or High Intensity Interval Training. Wherein you run and walk in successive cycles.

All in all, running instead of walking where there is enough space to allow it may very well make you lose those pounds after a few months. It may seem awkward to do but this might be the future of exercise in our time starved world.

Need a good pair of running shoes that can cope with the demands of spontaneous jogging? The Brooks Trance Running Shoes is one of the top Stability Running Shoes meant for normal people like you.

Five Factors the Affect You Choice in Running Shoes

Admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:54:21 +0000

Running shoes today are incredibly complex pieces of modern technology. The simple shoes today may make use of more than a dozen materials when manufactured. Even the most modest shoes come equipped with what may seem like space age technologies.

Purchasing running shoes can become quite a difficult affair with all the complexity surrounding them. This article breaks down this complexity factors into five parts. Knowing the characteristics of these five factors will make it easier for you to choose your next running shoe. Read on it won’t take more than 5 minutes of your time.

Let Engr. Al Kind guide you on How to Choose Running Shoes. Most people find out that they need Stability Running Shoes.

Foot Type

When talking about foot types we generally refer to the arch height. The arch height can range from very high to almost completely non-existent (flat-footed). For the purpose of identifying shoes best suited for you it is best to determine if you are flat-footed, high arched or in-between. This is one of the most important factors that will determine what shoes you need.

Surface Type

The surface you will run on will also determine what type of shoes you need. Shoes meant for cross country for example can be extremely heavy and bulky when used on a running track. Vice-versa shoes meant for the track will get obliterated in the rugged terrain of trails. Knowing where you will run is essential in choosing the correct running shoe.

Performance Level

Generally speaking a newbie runner will have vastly different shoe needs than your local track star. The beginning runner should not be tempted to purchase shoes that are meant for more serious runners because they generally provide less protection. The reason for this is that experienced runners need less rubber in between their foot and the pavement because they have already developed stronger muscles.

Mileage

Among running shoes there are those that are more durable than others. Usually there is a tradeoff between plush softness and durability. The more durable a shoe is the less comfortable it will be. If you run dozens of miles a day you might want to opt for a more durable shoe or else you will be finding those soft cushions on your soles disintegrating after less than a hundred miles. Try to plan out your normal running route and estimate how much distance you run. If you run more than the average runner runs then be prepared to get yourself a harder shoe.

Budget

There is a very alarming trend with people getting into running these days. That is, the focus on gear and stuff instead of the act of running itself. It seems that people just run as an excuse to use their latest running gear that they think are high tech and flashy.

It is really hard to blame these people because of whole industry trying to entice runners with all these cool gadgets. But it is best for people to go into running with the proper reasons and best leave the fancy stuff for later on. This brings us to the budget when choosing shoes.

Some people immediately choose the most expensive shoes in the store. Thinking the world owes them only the best. While others cheap out and find 10 dollar sneakers or worse hunt for used shoes. Try and decide on a budget. A reasonable pair that you can start with can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 US Dollars.

A bonus for those wanting to really start out cheap is old type shoes with a flat sole. Like the ones you remember during the early 1980s. They may be harder to run on without all the fancy technology but their simplicity will strengthen your foot which is very important when just starting out.

Choosing the best pair of running shoes is a complex task but by informing yourself on the five factors above it can be much easier. Next time you decide to run write down notes on the above mentioned criteria. It will make you it so much easier to choose the best product for your foot.

Running in an Urban World – A Runners Guide to Avoiding Accidents – Part 2

Admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:51:27 +0000

By Al M. Kind

In Part 1 of this article we enumerated three things that a city runner could do to minimize the risks of accidents happening while running. In this article we continue with several more things that a runner has to deal with when running in an urban environment.

Dogs

This is probably one of the most irritating things for runners. A lot of people allow dogs to be loose at night. Runners have not run out of crazy dog stories. If you encounter a dog it is best to be careful. Try not to appear scared. Do not attempt to run as dogs can run faster than you. This will also excite the killer instinct of some dogs.

Standing still facing the dog is the best way to deal with dog attacks. If you are running, stop for a while. If the dogs leave you alone walk for a while first then continue running.

Dealing with Mugging

All highly urbanized areas have one thing in common: Crime. It is not uncommon to hear early morning joggers coming home without their expensive running shoes. Now that runners carry digital music players the risks of being mugged has drastically increased.

The easiest way to avoid being mugged is to run only in places that you know are safe. Take note that this may mean not running around your block if safety issues arise.

Another way to deal with mugging is to avoid bringing along expensive things. Like cell phones, iPods, watches or even your wallet. If possible wear out your shoe first before running on a high risk areas.

Wearing Bright Colorful Clothes

Wearing bright colorful clothing can help you pop out from the background in roads passed along by cards. Lighter shades of amber neon colors are best suited for this. If you are running at dusk try not to wear shads of orange or red.

Reflective Gear

Most running gear sold today come with strips of material that reflect light. Since motorists are accustomed to these signals it is best that you don on gear that have these strips. Watches, jackets, pants and even iPod holders now come with this accident preventing materials.

It does not need to be dark for them to beneficial too. They can help in tricky lighting situations like passing a bend with shadows of trees. Even with the vehicles light turned off, the sun will ensure that the reflective strips will make your presence known.

Hopefully these four items along with the three items on Part 1 of this article will serve to remind anyone running in an urban environment to be a lot more careful. The city runner of today is exposed to risks that go beyond the act of running itself. Your safety is your primary concern.

Did you know that a lot of shoes nowadays come with light reflective strips to keep your safe from accidents? Find out if your Stability Running Shoes has them. And while you are at it the Best Stability Running Shoes meant for people with perfectly normal feet.

How to Drag Yourself Into Running Each Morning

Admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:50:10 +0000

How to Drag Yourself Into Running Each Morning
By Al M. Kind

An early morning run is one of the most difficult things one can do. The discipline required to do it every day is beyond the capability of many. New runners just going into the sport will find this very true. They often run out of will power well before getting results out of their running goals.

The goal of this article is to help those runners who cannot overcome the barriers of running each morning. It is the hope of the author that the following points will help the reader have a more effective strategy in consistently running each morning.

Visualization

As with everything else, running in the morning starts long before you actually hit the road. Your vision the night will greatly help you in getting out of bed and not drum up excuses for not running the morning after. Try to just see yourself running on the path you normally take or plan to take.

Make sure that in your mind you recreate the scene as if shot but a movie camera. Take note of the road posts, the smell of the dew -laced grass, the cold breeze hitting your face and more. Details are extremely important. Doing so will help you tremendously the morning after.

“There ain’t nothing to it but doing it!“

A famous quote from record Mr. Olympia title holder, Ronnie Coleman. There simply is no time to think. As soon as you wake up do your routine and go running. There is no decision to be made that morning whether you will run or not. The decision has been made when you thought about how you could accomplish your fitness goals through running.

When you wake up, run. It is that simple. The human mind will conjure up the decision making analysis to force you to not run. Because you are smarter than your instincts you know that you just have to do it that very instant.

Wake Up While Running

While your mind is still cloudy and has not woken up 100% it is the best time to start walking. This prevents your mind from telling you that it is hard to run and your body would rather rest. Try not to run full speed though if you have not truly woken up.

Your leg muscles might be still asleep along with your mind. So it is important to start slow and when you are fully awake gear up to full speed. This all but eliminates the time for you to decide whether you run or not.

These three points should help every runner in being consistent with their running regimen. It is not easy but nothing in life worth getting is easy to get at all. So remember these things next time you plan to run and you will not have to drag yourself out to run each morning anymore.

New Balance Stability Running Shoes are rated to be the most comfortable shoes available. Read up on them and see the different kinds of stability running shoes they offer for runners like you.

Evening Running – Pros and Cons

Admin — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 03:48:49 +0000

By Al M. Kind

Different schedules, preferences and needs dictate whether or not a person can schedule to run in the morning or later in the day. This article spells out the pros and cons of running at the evenings.

Running at night can be done anywhere from 5pm to 11pm. This schedule has been increasing in popularity recently. This is evident by the droves of people that hit the gym right after work.

Pros of an Evening Running Schedule

Cardiovascular exercise right after your real work day ends is a great way to de-stress yourself from the many pressures and deadlines you go through. For some people winding down and forgetting about their work can be impossible without forcing themselves into physical exhaustion. This is especially true for higher level workers like executives and corporate officers.

Exerting yourself at early evening will also give you better sleep at night. Your body will want to heal itself after your vigorous workouts. Running at the evenings may cause you to sleep longer and more soundly.

A lot of people also get charged up the entire day knowing that they will have to run right after their jobs. This gets them psyched up for the impending physical exertion ahead. This plays as an advantage if you are the type of person who can maintain this aggressive attitude consistently.

Cons of an Evening Running Schedule

Perhaps the greatest down side of running later at the day is the ability to weed out distractions. Most people do a lot of things after their work day ends. A mother might do the groceries, pick up kids or meet her friends. A student might allot this time doing homework for the next day.

Another disadvantage the evening runner had to deal with is reduced social life. Hitting the clubs and bars while adopting running at night as a habit can be very difficult if not impossible to maintain. Socializing is essential for most women so it can be quite difficult to juggle it with a healthy lifestyle.

Consistency has also known to be lower in night runners because of the complications of life. A big movie premiere which you might want to attend may interfere with your running schedule. Or a big sale might be coming up which will compromise your weekly target miles. Generally speaking, schedules after work hours can be random and wreck havoc to a regular running workout routine.

For most people it will be harder to stick to an evening running routine. Other are left without any choice but to run at this time. Balancing your social life and sticking to your running schedule can be quite tricky. If you are able to manage both well, then an evening running schedule might work out to your advantage.

Looking for the right pair of running shoes for that late evening run? Check the Brooks Trance Running Shoes. It is one of the best Stability Running Shoes meant for normal people to wear.