All About Proprioceptors And How They Can Benefit Your Running
Our bodies are awesome!
Think about it!
We have sensory nerves throughout our body that send feedback to our brains about where we are in space.
These sensory nerves, called proprioceptors, tell our brain about the terrain we’re running on, as we’re running, and our body makes the appropriate adjustments.
This is where the barefoot running movement comes in —* a movement that may have come and gone by now — the ability of our feet to read the environment, use our auxiliary muscles and run discomfort free.
*If you go by the major shoe companies, a search for minimal running shoes will show that the amount of styles has waned. The minimalist movement has been replaced by the maximalist movement… which is maximum cushioning on a minimalist heel-toe drop.
You don’t have to run barefoot to gain the benefit
The overall benefit of running barefoot — besides for actually feeling the ground — is increased strength of your auxiliary muscles, strengthening of your ankles, stronger shins/calves. This leads to less injuries overall because your body is stronger as a whole — as well as gaining the ability to make adjustments mid run.
However; these muscles can be strengthened by post run exercises as well!
Something I have all of my athletes do is stand barefoot on one leg with your eyes closed. They do this for 30 seconds each leg and switch, do this on various surfaces, working your way up to a balance disk. You can see this in other programs as well, some athletes can even go as far as doing workouts in the weight room on a balance disk!
Another exercise you can do on your own, close your eyes and think about where you are in space. Try to picture where your limbs are and where your spine is — now open your eyes and see if you had the right idea.
If you want to learn more about proprioceptors and see more of my beautiful face check out my latest 5 Minute Barrier;
Thanks for hanging out friends!
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