The muscles of the foot are classified as either intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic muscles are the ones in the foot and that move the toes, and the extrinsic are in the lower leg for moving the ankle. Both types help support the arches of the foot. It is important to strengthen the muscles of the foot to ensure correct posture and correct stride gate. Most footwear acts on the feet similar to a cast on a broken bone. Footwear was created a long long time ago. I have heard as long as 2500 BC. These were the tribal men who had to hunt in extreme weather conditions far from home. They found that wrapping their feet would protect them in the mountains, and aid them in combat situations. The Egyptians created a sandal that wrapped over the toes to protect them from getting stubbed. Then boots were created and so on and so forth. The perceived upgrades to the shoe were a result of the innovation of people to prevent injury to the feet, which had become cumbersome from wearing shoes to begin with. The technology today has advanced so much in footwear that we have become a clumsy species. Like wearing a cast, the shoe stabilizes the foot and limits the range of motion considerably. As a result, feet become weak. Then your feet rely on the shoe company to create the correct support for your individual need. This is what causes most knee, hip, and back problems. Warrior cultures and martial artists have been training barefoot since the beginning of time. It makes since because your feet bear the most weight of any other part of your body. Why would you make them the weakest part? The Spartan youth warriors (Meirakions) were trained barefoot through all of the seasons. Yes your feet can take the cold and snow. Of course that is not for everyone, but in a controlled environment like this fitness center you can work on making your feet stronger and your body much healthier. The first thing you will notice is that you are sorer than you have been in a long time. The reason is that muscles in your body that have been “turned off” are now activated when you take away the shoes. The next thing you will notice is that you become more aware of where you place your feet. Every step becomes deliberate which in turn increases core strength. Everyone wants a tighter tummy! The third change is that your balance and agility gets better. This means you get to feel younger and can do things that you previously thought were not possible. All of these things together can help you to get in touch with your “primal self”. This side of all people tends to get buried in the heap of stuff that is our daily routine. The good news is that the “primal” side of you lets things go, and is more focused on being alive. Stress will be greatly reduced and we could all use a little of that.