Barefoot in Turbo Barre?

[exercise-lover]

I'm previewing Turbo Barre. Is there a reason they are barefooted? I have plantar fasciatis and have to use shoe inserts. I'm not supposed to do anything barefoot except sleep! Is there a reason Cathe does this DVD barefooted? Can it be done with shoes??? I hope so! Thanks.

[Amy Steppe]

I think Cathe does this without shoes to enhance the points and flexes she does in the workout. There is a lot of pointing, flexing, etc.

That is why I think she does the workout without shoes. I could be wrong though.

I can see where a person could wear ballet slippers (not pointe shoes) and do this workout though. I thought about doing that myself.

[kikster]

In addition to what Amy said, doing the workout also creates a balance challenge for your feet/legs, thus strengthening those muscles (i.e. foot arches, Achilles, calf, etc). Barre work is typically done barefoot or w/a very minimal shoe on, that will allow you to point/flex as needed w/proper form. If it's ok, w/your Dr, you may want to give it a shot w/o the shoes, to attempt to re-build strength in weakened areas. That is what I've been using barre wo's for, to rebuild my fallen arches that led to an Achilles injury. Maybe try it out w/o shoes, and if it seems like it's too much for you, put on shoes. You may find that as long as you don't go too deep at first, that you slowly get stronger and stronger in this area, as I did. But, if it's against doctors orders for you to do so, then by all means, you should wear shoes.

FWIW, when Cathe did this workout at the RT, everyone had on shoes. Here's a link to the NJ RT barre class video , (you'll have to skip to about the 20 min mark for when they begin barre work).

HTH

[*~Jessica~*]

I'm in the "minority" here and use my rykas for the Barr dvd. they work fine for me

[jonahnah]

When my PF was really bad, I wore cross trainers for barre workouts. It was especially helpful during work when you are standing on one leg. Now that my PF has subsided, I do barre workouts in grippy socks, no shoes.

Joan

[exercise-lover]

Thanks for all your replies. I did try turbo barre today. I wore my lightest cross trainers (with my inserts). While I couldn't point and flex as well as I would have barefooted, I was able to do the leg work and enjoy the workout. My favorite part is the core work. That's a great sequence. The time just flew by. Fun workout!