What Shoes Do I Need to Start My Fitness Routine?
When you start a program with GobyMeds - whether it’s optimizing your HGH levels with Sermorelin or reclaiming your metabolic health with GLP-1s - your body begins to change from the inside out. You will probably have more energy, and incorporating in exercise and specifically strength training can support your wellness journey and lead to healthier aging and optimal body composition.
Naturally, the first question most people ask is: “What shoes should I buy for my new walking or lifting routine?” We asked physical therapist Dr. Sean Hiller his thoughts on the question.
He shared that it’s a fair question, but if you want to protect your progress and avoid injury, you’re asking the wrong thing. The real question is: “Are my feet strong enough to support the new me?”
The Foot: Your Metabolic Foundation
Your foot isn’t just a base; it’s a complex piece of biological machinery with 26 bones and over 30 joints. It is designed to absorb force and create a stable foundation for every step you take.
As you lose weight or gain lean muscle mass, your center of gravity and the way you "load" your joints changes. If your feet are weak, your body will look for stability elsewhere - usually by putting extra stress on your knees, hips, or lower back.
Why "More Shoe" Isn't Always the Answer
In the world of physical therapy and metabolic health, we often see a "shoe-dependency" cycle:
- The Support Trap: We buy highly structured, "max stability" shoes.
- The Atrophy: Because the shoe is doing all the stabilizing, the tiny muscles in our feet stop working.
- The Weakness: Over time, the foot loses its natural ability to maintain an arch or push off efficiently.
This is especially important for patients on GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP therapies. Research shows that rapid weight loss can sometimes lead to a decrease in bone mineral density if not managed correctly. Strong, active feet provide the "mechanical load" necessary to keep your bones healthy and resilient as you shed pounds.
How to Build a Capable Foot Foundation
You don't need to throw away your sneakers. You just need to stop asking them to do a job your feet were born to do.
- Prioritize Strength Training: Just as Sermorelin helps you build lean muscle in your legs and arms, you should intentionally move your feet. Spend time barefoot at home to re-engage those muscles.
- Choose the "Least Shoe" That Works: For your daily walks, look for shoes that offer protection without becoming a rigid cast for your foot. You want your foot to "feel" the ground (proprioception).
- Match the Tool to the Task: If you are following the GobyMeds recommendation for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to boost HGH, you need lateral support. If you are lifting weights to prevent muscle loss (sarcopenia), a flat, stable base is better than a squishy running shoe.
Your Health is a Marathon
At GobyMeds, we say your journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re noticing improved sleep in Month 1 or significant body composition changes by Month 6, your feet are carrying you through every milestone.
Build a foundation that lasts. Treat your shoes as tools, your feet as engines, and your health as a lifelong investment.
Want to learn more about Dr. Sean Hiller? Click here!
Ready to start your wellness journey with GobyMeds? Click here to see if you qualify today!
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