Barefoot squats: If it's good enough for Arnold, it's good enough for me!
Maybe I’ve spent too much time doing yoga in Hawaii (it is day 6 after all), but I’ve come to love doing squats with bare feet.
Several months ago, I read something about squatting barefoot while doing research online. While it doesn’t have a cult following like barefoot running, squatting sans socks is definitely an increasingly popular trend.
So, I decided to give it a try.
As the barefoot squatting devotees had mentioned, I was able to balance better without sneakers. It’s just foot against floor, with no compressible cushion in between. By being barefoot, I received better tactile feedback from the floor – and so it’s easier to balance or adjust. With increased sturdiness, you may even find that you’re able to increase the resistance.
While most gyms require socks, shoes and shirts, I encourage you to be a rebel and give barefoot squatting a try. I honestly think you’ll be surprised – and impressed – by the difference it makes. And maybe you’ll become a believer, too.
Bottom line: If squatting barefoot is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
Have you ever tried barefoot squatting? Let me know in the comments below!
I haven’t tried barefoot squatting yet, but have noticed the same trend with more and more guys shedding shoes, or using the toed footwear while exercising their legs.
hows that foot fungus working out for you? i wouldnt go barefoot in my gym if you paid me…
~ cheers…
just a matter of preference.if you want to go barefoot doing squats-how bout barefoot military press-or barefoots cambered barbell curls etc etc.makes no difference to me.whatever works for you.
I recently switched from regular crosstrainers to a pair extremely minimalist running shoes (the softstar moc3, so none of those silly looking toe-things) designed to get as close to barefoot while still having some bare bits of leather and a very thin sole on your feet. I love it. The ability to splay out my toes and really push through my heels without all that spring back from the squishy footbed has done wonders for my squat and deadlift form.
I´ve been using these for a year or so and they are great! It´s like being barefoot! Check them here:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Bikila-Mens.htm