The Alabama Baptist
If the decision to exercise is the first step toward physical fitness, the second step should be acquiring proper clothing and equipment.
“Proper clothing and equipment are a must,” said Dr. Theodis Buggs, orthopedic surgeon for Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Birmingham. “Most importantly, you need a good supportive athletic shoe.
“The shoe supports the foot because the foot undergoes so much stress during any type of weightbearing activity, so you need to support the foot adequately,” he said, noting that six times a person’s weight is concentrated around the foot every time the person pushes off the foot.
Dr. Trey Lott, M.D., D.C., who practices as a medical doctor and also as a chiropractor in Birmingham, agreed that proper shoes are important because the impact on the feet affects the lower back. With improper shoes, the lower back can be harmed, he said.
The type of shoes chosen depends on the type of exercise, said Chris Bryant, a certified athletic trainer with Baptist Health System. “They need to match what you are doing,” he said.
“A runner needs a shoe that supports the foot and arch, while a basketball player needs a hightop shoe,” Bryant said. “Be smart about what activity you are taking part in and what type of shoe to wear.”
Bryant suggested checking with a sports-related shoe store for the proper shoes.
He also noted exercisers should have use correct equipment such as protective eyewear that fits properly when necessary and wear clothing that is comfortable and doesn’t rub the body.
“In the summer time in
Alabama, exercisers have to worry about heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat strokes,” Bryant said. “Be aware of the humidity and the temperature outside. Wear light colored clothing and material that breathes,” he said, noting exercise should be done indoors when there is an ozone alert outside.
“In the winter it is better to wear material that fits tight to the body and gets sweat away from the body, such as the material Capilene that skiers use to keep their skin dry,” Bryant said. “You may want to wear gloves and a toboggan also,” he said. “The key is to not sweat so much that you get cold from your own sweat.”
According to the UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, a new high-tech athletic sock is also being marketed by sports podiatrists. These socks — usually made of a variety of polyester such as polypropylene, acrylic, Capilene or Thermax — pull moisture away from the feet so it can evaporate. The drier the feet, the less risk for blisters and athlete’s foot, they say. The feet also stay warmer. These socks are more expensive, however, and require line drying because heat can destroy the fiber.
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