Jumping, marching, dragging a sled. Your body goes through a lot when you're engaged in a demanding plyometric workout. At the bottom of it all are your feet, taking the brunt of almost every plyometric move you make. You may have heard of people training with plyometrics barefoot, but that can be dangerous, especially if you're exercising on a hard surface. Do your feet and leg joints a favor by wearing appropriate shoes for plyometrics. When you're performing box or stair jumps, or any of the many repetitive jumping actions in plyometrics, you need shock absorption upon hitting the ground. Get an athletic shoe that has a thick sole and an ample layer of cushion to make for a softer landing. Avoid thin-soled shoes such as wrestling or martial arts shoes that don't have the thick padding that other sports shoes do. Having a training shoe that supports your foot throughout a plyometric workout is vital for avoiding injury to your ankle and foot. Look for a shoe that has sufficient arch support.
"Sufficient" would be described as actual support that you can feel in the arch of your foot without causing discomfort. Stabilize your ankle by working out in a high-top shoe or one that at least comes up over your ankle. Having a shoe that protects your feet from injury is essential, according to Paul Collins, author of the book "Power Training: Build Your Most Powerful Body Ever With Australia's Body Coach." Your feet contain a collection of small muscle groups, ligaments and tendons that can be damaged when performing the explosive movements plyometrics involves. That makes wearing athletic shoes that provide full coverage of your feet and ankles vital. Your plyometric training shoes should fit well, too, not being too tight nor so loose that they slip when you move. You're not likely to find a training shoe made specifically for plyometrics, but you can take your pick of the numerous athletic shoes available. Tennis and running shoes have the cushioning and arch support you need, and most of them come up higher than a street shoe to cradle your ankle and help with stability.
High-tops, such as those that basketball players wear, have the cushioning along with the higher ankle support you're looking for. Cross-trainers might be your best bet. They're not high-tops, but they do have the other essential features you need such as protection, support and shock absorption. They are the shoe of choice for Collins. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Will My Arms Get Bigger Swinging a Sledgehammer? Explosive Plyometric Circuit Training What Are the Causes of Itching on the Bottom of the Feet? How to Combine Weights & Plyometrics How to Increase Your Vertical Leap in Three Weeks Plyometrics for Weight Loss Workout Routines for Teens The Best Shoes for Jumping High What Is the Difference Between Cross-Trainer And Running Sneakers?
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Pamper Your Feet With These Quality Running Socks The Best Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing Shoes Pharrell's adidas NMD Human Race Limited Edition Sneakers Are Out Now 10 Sport Sandals to Keep Your Feet Comfy All Day Long CrossFit Socks for Every PersonalityThis holiday season, I want to help you get in shape with Country Heat and my new cooking show with my brother Bobby: FIXATE, a Fix-approved cooking show available on Beachbody On Demand. But I know you’ve also got shopping to do for all your loved ones, so here’s my guide to holiday gifts for your fitness-minded friends and family. These are my favorite Nikes—I wear them ALL the time. They’re comfortable and supportive. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus is a good all-around training shoe. They’re light, they support my arch and my lateral movement, and there’s a lot of cushion. Plus, they come in all different colors! I love them so much I have several pairs in my closet. Yes, this is a pricey gift, but for a fitness lover, there’s so much that it can do to help you track progress and reach your goals!
I love all the new technology Beachbody has that pairs up with the Apple Watch. The Watch can now sync up with Beachbody On Demand, allowing users to see their heart rate and calories burned in real time on the app. It will also store this data for you so you can track your progress over time. For people who don’t need all the extra Apple Watch features, the Beachbody On Demand & Wahoo TICKR X (heart rate monitor) bundle also makes a great gift. You get a one-year BOD membership and the TICKR X, which continuously monitors your heart rate, calories and motion, all for just $149.95. I designed this collection with a bit of a beach theme in mind. Everything is soft, cozy, and comfortable enough to lounge around in all day, but still cute enough to wear out and about. My favorite pieces for the ladies are the lounge pants and the “I Do It For the Likes” tank for a little attitude! For the guys, it’s the Team AC XXI T-shirts (and for the ladies, too!), and I love the unisex “Make Change” hoody.
I’m a big fan of a bunch of functional little gifts to make up one big gift. A mini foam roller that someone can travel with is great for working out the kinks no matter where you are. I always have a tennis ball in my gym bag to roll out the arches of my feet. For spots that need a little extra work, mini resistance bands add a lot of variety and challenge to your workout. Plus, a notebook for tracking not only your workout progress but all your goals (hint hint: There’s one coming to my website very soon!). Put all of these little gifts into a cute gym bag or stuff a stocking with them — any workout enthusiast will be happy to get them! It’s getting cold outside, so might I suggest a little Heat? As in Country Heat? Working out doesn’t always have to be crazy hard. Even during the holiday season you can enjoy keeping the pounds off, toning, and tightening your entire body with Country Heat, my newest workout program. Dance your way to a better body with awesome music and fun moves that are easy to follow!
Give your fitness-enthusiast friends and family a gift that keeps on giving: Beachbody On Demand subscriptions for 3, 6, or 12 months. Your loved ones can try out hundreds of workouts from the comfort of their own home (and don’t forget to check out my new cooking show, Fixate!) Make life a little easier on the chef in your life with some cool cooking tools. Look for a vegetable spiralizer, a nice wood cutting board, or even a grow-your-own herbs kit. And, of course, don’t forget the cooking inspiration! If you’re stumped, check out my FIXATE cookbook that features 101 healthy recipes for any occasion! (Find out which kitchen tools everyone needs — and which ones they don’t.) Everyone likes to be pampered a little, so pamper the ones you love with a gift card for a massage or a manicure/pedicure combo. Whether you go the luxury spa route or not, it’s the thought that counts. Get one for yourself and make it a couple or friend date! I always have water with me because it’s so important to stay hydrated.