Gear: SHOES!!!

Carol getting ready for Balance Class.

Barefooted. Flip flops. Loafers. Scuffs. Cute flats. Oversized sandals. Sneakers with no tread. Sneakers that are 2 sizes too big (they were free.) Wing tips. Fuzzy socks. Hiking boots.

Participants have come to my fitness classes in any and all of the above. Several present a dilemma - do I have them participate in improper footwear? Do I shift to a seated program? Both can work. This piece isn’t about me and most of my regulars have found reasonably appropriate footwear.

When I opened up the dialog about shoes there were many barriers, most common was the cost. On a monthly budget of a social security check, $120-180 for a pair of good sneakers is out of the question. And how can they commit to a daily fitness routine without proper support for their feet? - I encourage daily outside walks, taking the stairs in their building instead of the elevators, and my online fitness classes in addition to their weekly in-person classes.

Second most common issue is that their shoes never fit right with past injuries, bunions, plantar fascitis, neuropathy, lymphedema….all the foot issues you can imagine.

In the program I envision, properly fitting walking shoes would be purchased for each individual in a one-on-one fitting with a well qualified sports shoes professional. Fit and overall body alignment would be checked. Local resources are available and would make a world of difference for seniors who want to get moving.