Foot care has evolved over the last few years to more than just taking off your shoes while exercising. A building from the ground-up approach can benefit your client's program and provide them with cues that connect them more with each exercise. Emily Splichal, DPM, shares her advice on footwear while training in the gym, integrating sensory training, and shares how personal trainers can incorporate various foot care approaches.
Walking as an Assessment
An overlooked but essential part of a well-balanced training program is your feet. Your feet have receptors that help feed the brain information and are an integral part of your GAIT. From an instructor's viewpoint, watching a client walk and how they interact with their environment from step to step can provide insight into any existing imbalances. Walking is essential to human interaction, and improving this primary function can benefit all populations. Many fitness instructors use walking as an assessment to help build their overall profile of a client and start developing a program.
Integrating Sensory Training
Another area discussed in this episode is sensory training. As mentioned by Dr. Splichal, especially at the highest level of performance, personal trainers are looking for effective ways to provide their clients with the slightest improvements. Sensory training, which helps improve the pathways for movement, can be incorporated during most exercises and can be a unique training method that clients enjoy. For example, using the NABOSO Textured Grip Socks during a deadlift can help the client feel more connected to the ground and stimulate the bottoms of the feet, which may have been inhibited from a long day of walking around in socks and shoes. These adjustments during training are unique and discussed in detail by Dr. Splichal throughout this episode.
Who is Dr. Emily Splichal
Dr. Splichal is a podiatrist by trade and a world-renowned fitness educator for the last twenty years. She owns the Evidence-Based Fitness Academy (EBFA) and Naboso. EBFA provides live and exclusive education for fitness professionals, including their popular Barefoot Training Specialist. Naboso is a consumer-based company focusing on sensory products such as insoles, mats, and socks. Use the link below to search through all the resources Dr. Splichal mentioned in this episode of the KIPS Podcast and incorporate them with your clients.
Learn more about NABOSO - CLICK HERE.
Dr. Splichal on Instagram - CLICK HERE.
NABOSO on Instagram - CLICK HERE.
KIPS Education - CLICK HERE.
