Fitness Column - Shoe me the way to get fit

The Colonel says: Mike, this is a common issue I hear people have in the gym.

I’m sure lots of people will feel your pain- we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to cool colours and designs with our gym attire these days! I hate to sound like a nagging parent but this goes back to the old ‘comfort over style’ issue.

There are a few key things to look for when buying a pair of gym trainers.

A good gym shoe should bring you warmth, protection and a maximum sensory input (this means they need to be comfortable!).

There are two main types of gym shoes.

If your exercise routine usually involves an activity like aerobics, weight training or kick boxing (any exercise on a hard surface that involves side to side movement) go with a ‘Cross trainer’- these are basically anything that’s not a running shoe.

Their flexible material and cushioned areas means they’re versatile to basically any form of exercise.

If you’re a really keen runner, then I would suggest buying some shoes designed specifically for running, however, if it’s a few minutes on the treadmill a few times a week, don’t worry about splashing out on a pair!

One of the main things to remember when exercising is to look after your body, feet included!