What is Better: Working Out at Home or at the Gym?

A recent article on huffingtonpost.com highlighted celebrities who truly love to work out. Vanessa Hudgens, Matthew McConaughey, Minka Kelly and Michelle Obama cite exercise as the thing to beat stress, burn calories, clear the head, gain energy and boost a low mood. If you need all of these in your life, maybe it’s time to give exercise a try. The question is: do you stay at home or join a gym?

The answer depends on a few things but here are some factors to consider when deciding where to land. If cost or time is an issue then at home will be your best option, as it is free and you don’t have to drive anywhere. At home you can fit in a workout anytime of the day and you don’t have to be concerned with what you look like in public!

If you are someone who needs accountability and encouragement, a gym is a great place to find workout buddies who will keep you motivated and on track. A gym has a vast amount of equipment to work on and classes to take, which can bring a bit more variety to your exercise. At home you can get distracted with the TV, phone and the fridge, while at a gym there is more of a chance to be focused.

A recent press release from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that, “only one in five adults meet overall physical activity guidelines.” Physical activity is linked to long-term health. Wherever you decide to exercise, the bottom line is just to do it. If at any time during your efforts, you are halted with foot pain, don’t hesitate to contact Houston Foot Specialists in Houston, TX. Dr. Jeff Bowman can evaluate what is going on and provide the exact treatment you need to get back on track. Call (713) 467-8886 to make an appointment today.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Best Exercises For Burning Calories
• Gym or home workout? Just feel comfortable...
• Should You Join a Gym?....Pros and Cons

Best Exercises With a Foot Injury

When trying to stay fit and healthy, there is not much that is more frustrating than when you have foot pain or a foot injury. Your feet are the foundation of your body and even a minor injury can put a halt to your exercising efforts.

How can I stay fit while my foot injury heals?

Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot specialist in Houston, TX regularly helps patients stay fit while recovering from a foot injury. The good news is that there are many fitness options that will still give you a good cardio workout and strengthen your muscles while giving your injury time to heal.

You will of course want to avoid activities that require your foot to bear the weight of your body. These may include walking, jogging, stair climbing and aerobic classes. You want to focus on workouts that still focus on major muscle groups while keeping stress and pressure off the injured foot.

Use a resistance machine to do leg curls. Make sure the lever arm is placed high enough on your ankle to ensure you do not aggravate your injury.

Get in the water. Swimming several times a week will improve your cardiovascular fitness and keep your legs strong even with a foot injury. Avoid during flips or turns against a wall during laps as this could add strain to the injured foot.

Focus on your upper body. A machine such as an ergometer is like a mini bike for your arms and is effective in getting your heart rate up for a good workout.

Be cautious on a stationary bike. Depending on the type of foot injury you have, cycling can be a good way to stay fit that has less impact on your body. Stay at an easy resistance, keep feet snug in pedals and knees should be bent at the lowest point in the rotation.

The right recovery of a foot injury will go a long way in keeping your feet healthy long term and help prevent a re-injury or a chronic problem. Call Dr. Bowman if you are struggling to stay active with an injury. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved

Related articles

• Coming Back From a Dancing Injury
• Benefits of Cycling & How to Protect Your Feet!
• Check out Dr. Jeffrey Bowman on the Radio!

What Kind of Shoes to Wear While Lifting Weights

A common pitfall for many athletes is thinking that any regular shoe will suffice no matter what they are doing. There are many activities where a simple running shoe can work, but most sports require a specific shoe to not only help you play better but also to keep your feet and ankles safe.

Do I really need a specific shoe for weight lifting?

The answer is yes! You cannot overlook the value of the right kind of shoes if you want to get into weight lifting. Dr. Jeff Bowman, foot and ankle specialist in Houston, TX too often sees the results of ignoring this rule. Blisters, fractures, sprains, strains, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendon injuries are just a few things that have athletes hobbling into our podiatric office.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for shoes to wear while weight lifting:

• A good weight lifting shoe is all about providing safety and stability with weight transfer

• Avoid shoes with too much cushioning

• Look for a shoe that is heavier but still allows for freedom of movement

• An adjustable strap will help keep your feet stable in the shoe

• Look for a tough rubber sole and a heel height of about an inch to help promote balance and prevent slipping

• The shoe needs to fit relatively snug for good stability

• High-top lacing is not advised as it can compromise the movement of your ankles

Does this all seem a bit overwhelming? We can step in and help. No matter what sport you are involved in, let us be a part of your team. We can treat any foot pain and help you find the right shoes for your feet. Make an appointment today by calling our podiatric office at (713) 467-8886 or visit www.houstonfootspecialists.com.

©2013 Jeff Bowman., All Rights Reserved