Read time: 3 mins

Hi Friends! Welcome to the third email is the series on simple health tips. Today we're exploring grounding and natural footwear!

But first, I have a few announcements!

1. If you are local to Alaska and have ever wanted to do a 1:1 in-person session with me, my books are open for August sessions. Now is the time to book because I am going to be doing more certifications and training trainers rather than doing private exercise sessions. There are no guarantees that after August I'll have more 1:1 sessions, so if you've been holding out, here's your sign to book!
2. In October, I am running the Pre/Postnatal Fitness Specialist Certification at CrossFit Salty North in Wasilla. Kim Vopni the Vagina Coach and now Laura Nance, another Master Trainer are both coming up to co-teach with me! It's a hybrid course, so you complete online modules in addition to the two practical days on the 14th & 15th from 9am-5pm. There are CEUs available, so if you're a trainer and want to set yourself apart and really understand the female pelvis, and know how to screen for incontinence, prolapse, diastasis, and be confident guiding clients through exercises, then click here to read more and register. Happy to do payment plans as well, just email me! It's advantageous to sign up now, because there are online modules you should complete before the training in October.
3. I recently collaborated with The Foot Collective to do a series of interviews - where I'm the one being interviewed about how the feet and pelvis are so connected, and how a foot conversation is actually a whole body conversation. The first video is out, and it's more about my background, and how I view movement and why I talk about feet and hips all the time. I'm pretty excited about this project and can't wait for you to watch! There will be more interviews coming soon.

Okay back to the email! - The four most simple and most helpful tips for restoring your feet:

1. Go barefoot for better connection with the earth: it's free to take your shoes and socks off, and it's one of the best things you can do to improve your foot strength and ground yourself. Read more about grounding/earthing here. PS if you want to order Earth Runners (aka my favorite adventure sandals), you can get a discount with the code TRAINERNATALIE
2. Try a human-shaped shoe: to not overcomplicate it, look for shoes that are wide in the toes, flat (minimal to no arch support/cushioning), and flexible. By providing simply protection for the feet, we are allowing them to move and bend and spring the way they were designed. When we put stiff and robust shoes on our feet, we are outsourcing all that movement and strength to the shoe, and weakening our feet and response to ground forces. Need specific shoe recommendations? Visit Anya's Reviews.
3. Balance work: can you balance barefoot (no socks either) on a line in your flooring? Can you walk on a downed log? What about a balance beam? What about a slackline? The more you work on your balance and go barefoot throughout your day, the stronger your ankles, knees, hips, and core will be. Like a little bonus strength workout without even thinking about it!
4. Work on your hips: Your hips are the "stonemasons" that build your arches. Your hips are intrinsically linked to your feet and vice versa. Strengthen your hips, preferably while not wearing shoes, and you'll see improvements in your balance and foot strength! Ideas: deadlifts, single leg deadlifts, all kinds of squats, bird dogs, step ups, lunges, ground movement like crawling, sitting in all the ways you can think of on the floor. Start there and report back to me. 🙂

What are your thoughts? Hit reply and tell me which of the four tips you resonated with most.

We'll be back next week for the fourth email in this series on simple health tips where we'll talk about sun exposure, vitamin d, and circadian rhythms! Thanks so much for reading, I'll catch you next time.

Warmly,

Natalie