In recent years, sneakers have transformed from exercise aid to fashion items. It’s easy to forget Jordans were originally designed to help you hoop, rather than impress your friends.
In fact, most sneakerheads rarely wear their shoes, lest they become damaged or dirty. This should come as little surprise, as only 22% of American adults meet the guidelines for physical activity.
However, a new pair of sneakers may be the answer to your search for more motivation. Fashionable and functional sneakers can help you get on the treadmill, take to the streets, or hit a new PR in the gym.
Walking for Exercise
If it's been a while since you ran, lifted, or balled, you may need to ease yourself back into exercise. You can make exercise a habit by building slowly and developing your confidence while improving your physical health.
Walking is a great way to get back into an exercise routine. Humans are built to walk and sneakers are designed to help you take the first step.
Research from Northwestern University even shows that new shoes can help you form a walking habit. Researchers found that clothing incentivizes exercise; particularly in those who haven’t yet formed an exercise habit.
The health benefits of daily walking include:
- Stronger muscles;
- Improved joint health;
- Weight control;
- Better balance.
Walking every day can improve your immune function, too. You’ll steadily build up a sweat when walking and improve blood flow around the body. This helps your body deal with colds and infections, as white blood cells can move rapidly throughout the body.
If you don’t like the idea of walking outside, consider the “12-3-30” treadmill routine. Set the treadmill to an incline of 12, walk at a pace of 3 mph, and set a timer for 30 minutes. Be sure to plug in your headphones and choose a playlist with a great beat.
Shoes for Lifting
If you want to sculpt your body and improve your strength, lifting is the right kind of exercise for you. There are thousands of lifting plans available online designed to help you tone your body and build muscle.
A new pair of lifting shoes can help you perform better in the gym. This is important, as hitting PRs is extremely motivating. The right lifting shoes can keep you safe, too, as worn-out sneakers are liable to give out on you when completing heavy lifts.
Look for a pair of sneakers with a flat bottom. Flat-bottom shoes are ideal for lifting, as spongy soles will shift underweight.
Brands like converse are ideal for lifting free weights, as their flat design ensures that the sole of your foot has a stable surface to push against. If you want to upgrade your shoes, consider Nike’s Metcon range or Adidas Totals.
Work with a trainer when you begin in the gym. A trainer will check your form and keep you safe. When you’re ready to go it alone, consider buying some weightlifting shoes that will add to your squat.
You’ll find plenty of options from Nike and Adidas, or you can explore brands like NoBull and Do-Win.
Sports
Sports and sneakers go hand in hand. If Jordan wasn’t the GOAT, it’s unlikely that his sneakers would be so popular. However, most of us no longer find the time to play sports and shove our cleats and basketball shoes into the back of a dusty closet.
However, participating in sports can be the perfect way to build an exercise habit. Playing a sport for recreation can help you meet new people, build community, and get in the best shape of your life.
Almost every sport comes with its own set of shoes and sneakers, too. Whether you’re playing pick-up in a recreation league or are running distances in a marathon club, you need a pair of sneakers that suit your needs.
Consider buying a new pair of sneakers at the start of every season. This will motivate you to put in the hard work during the offseason and will ensure that you actually sign up when the call for players is put out.
Even if you’re playing a sport like soccer or baseball, you can still get lost in a world of customizable cleats.
Rewards & Mental Health
Everyone loves a reward for a job well done. Whether it's a raise at work or extra sprinkles on your ice cream at home, there’s nothing better than being recognized for your achievements.
Most exercise programs are achievement-based, as you’ll set specific goals to target. If you’re lifting in the gym, you probably have PRs you want to achieve.
If you’re walking, you might want to hit a new record distance or pace. When you complete a goal, consider purchasing a new set of sneakers as a reward.
Buying a new pair of workout shoes can help you break the cycle of low energy and lethargy. Rewarding yourself with a new pair of sneakers can give you a burst of energy and help you associate hard work with rewards you love.
Over time, you’ll find that exercise becomes its own reward. Regular exercise improves your energy and improves your motivation. You’ll feel less fatigued thanks to your newfound fitness and will find that working up a sweat improves your physical strength and self-esteem.
After a few months, you won’t need to buy a new pair of sneakers until you really need them. Instead, use sneakers as a reward when you nail your diet for a few weeks or stick to your sleep schedule for a month.
These changes can improve your mental health, and help you feel even better in the Js you’ve always loved. Rewarding yourself with sneakers can give you the motivation you need to exercise more.
Once you start exercising more, however, you may find that you may not even need to reward yourself to keep you going, as it’s been proven that regular exercise improves your energy and can help you lead a healthier, more motivated lifestyle.
It can also help you to set ever-increasing goals, and broaden your goal-setting to include things like sleep, diet, and hydration — all of which can benefit your mental health.
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Everyone loves a pair of new shoes. As a sneakerhead, you can use the incentive of new shoes to power through a workout and create an exercise habit. Buying the right shoes can help you avoid injury, too.
So, the next time you hit a PR, consider treating yourself to a new pair of sneakers.
