It’s important to stay informed and lead by example by selecting footwear that ensures for the best possible workout.

A person who weighs 150 pounds exerts 63.5 tons on each foot when walking just one mile. This means that your athletic shoes need to be strong and supportive to withstand your workout.  Choosing the right shoes helps both trainers and clients prevent injuries, enhance performance and enjoy their workouts. Guiding your clients in making the right sneaker selection and being prepared to answer any questions is a part of your role as a trainer. It’s important to stay informed and lead by example by selecting footwear that ensures for the best possible workout.

Different Activities Have Different Footwear Requirements

In order for your shoes to meet the demands of your workout, there are several factors to consider. If your client will be lifting that day, let them know to wear sneakers with a flat sole, that firmly grips the ground, rather than cushioned running shoes. When helping your client choose running shoes, make sure their gait is properly analyzed and appropriate sneakers are selected to minimize shin and knee pain. For field sports like baseball and soccer, cleats help grip the earth and prevent slipping. If you’re including a variety of different exercises in one session, a cross-trainer sneaker may be best, but remember these shoes may not provide the necessary specialized support and protection for certain activities.

Proper Fitting Shoes Prevent Injuries

Feet should be measured whenever making a shoe purchase, as the size of a person’s foot can change over the years. Different brands also size sneakers differently, so pay attention to accurate measurements rather than assuming you know your size. Advise your clients to replace their sneakers every 3-6 months, or for every 400 miles, they walk in them. It’s important for sneakers to fit securely, but comfortably. You should be able to wiggle all your toes while wearing athletic shoes, and there should be about ½ an inch of space between the big toe and the front end of the shoe. Also consider whether your client has a high arch, medium arch or a flat foot to determine the amount of support a sneaker should provide. For people who have especially low arches, orthotic insoles can help aid in shock absorption.

Style, Material and Comfort Matter

When it comes to buying athletic footwear, different people have different priorities; for example, 38% of people look for runnings shoes that are most comfortable, while 17% of buyers rely on reading reviews. Choosing the right brand and style depends on personal preference, but there are a few basics for all footwear that you and your client should be aware of. For the gym, look for shoes with a lightweight, breathable mesh upper portion, a midsole with arch support and a rubber sole. If you’re exercising outdoors, make sure your footwear is waterproof.  The style also matters; when your clients feel confident their sneakers look good, they’ll be more enthusiastic to start working out. Help your clients stay on trend with their footwear and express their personal style,  while also protecting their feet and improving athletic performance.

Helping your client choose the right pair of sneakers can be a fun experience that helps you get to know one another more intimately. Emphasize the importance of proper athletic wear to ensure the safety and comfort of your client when they work out. When your client’s feet look and feel great, they can better focus on achieving their goals.

Was this Article Helpful?

If this article was helpful to you, please consider linking this article to your own blog or sharing this through the social buttons below. You will also find other great articles at “Expert Advice“.

Sally Perkins

Sally Perkins is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.

Browse

News collects all the stories you want to read

SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR THE FITNESS INDUSTRY'S FASTEST GROWING BUSINESS NETWORKING GROUP