MovNat - Erwan Le Corre - Barefoot Running

[PooMasterEater]

he looks like a gorilla

[akhiwani]

If you need inspiration to run.. Watch this

[snoozebottle]

I notice you don't lift your feet that high, if at all really. Roughly how high should you lift them to allow the knees to bend sufficiently yet naturally to help prevent calf strain?

[bobdidge]

i notice you dont have much arm swing, is that part of being relaxed or just your style...purely out of interest...?

[CP025129]

This dude is absolutely badass! Just subscribed.

[jumprilke]

Awesome video. You have great technique and instincts.

[hempnuke]

oh so smooth! Hard to get injured running this way. Going fast when you can but patient and deliberate when necessary. Absorbing information from the earth and body.

[7in1]

beautiful body,beautiful vid~

[GoAnderson]

Erwan, I´m curious to know what you think the right breathing technique is while running? I´ve adapted the nose only way some months ago and I do pretty well with it although difficult to hold when running fast for a long period of time.

[MovNat]

@GoAnderson Do you need to expand your chest and open your mouth when you breath normally (say you're relaxed on a couch)? No. Do you need to expand your chest so you can get more air when you're going faster? Yes. So why wouldn't you also enlarge your airway by opening your mouth so you can inhale more air, and faster?

[GoAnderson]

@MovNat You´re right. Todays run was an epiphany like experience. After so many months of nose-only I was much faster than before but at the same time more relaxed. I think the efficiency of mouth breathing speaks for itself. I´ll definitely try holding my breath during a run as you do, this will also help on swimming and diving, very good. I really appreciate your answer and thank you very much.

[MovNat]

@GoAnderson To make it more difficult to breath? That can be indeed a good training strategy to make your abdominal breathing muscles more powerful but also generate a greater physiological adaptation at cell level, by creating an oxygen deficit. Can be useful to your training. I sometimes do something different but similar results by frequently holding my breath when I run. But apart from that, open your mouth and breath freely whenever you can and make your life easier.

[xy1981ca]

Sure, Mr Universal Soldier gets too look cool and make it look easy. What about the camera guy who has to carry the steady cam and run after him and ahead of him to get the shots? Fat camera guys don't get no respect.

[HitTheTrailRunning]

A few days ago I uploaded a video of me running barefoot through the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. It's on my channel if you want to check it out

[MovNat]

@HitTheTrailRunning Cool video!

[robfs52]

My girlfriend has been a runner for +25 years, and has this same, smooth, running on the ball of the foot stride. She has very little arm movement, like Le Corre, and she thinks all that arm swinging is weird! That style of running is beautiful - and the way we were meant to run - before the advent of super-armored "running" shoes!

[MovNat]

@robfs52 Makes sense to me ;).

[MrOnairos]

do u get cut a lot on ur feet?

[MovNat]

@MrOnairos that's what happens when your skin is soft. When your skin is conditioned then you still get cuts but that's much less frequent.

[MovNat]

@MrOnairos Minor cuts happen from time to time, but if you pay attention, run with good technique and if your feet got strong you don't have much to worry.

[crsohr]

Ugh would love to do this but isn't there just too much that could cut your feet in forests and trails? I have huaraches but would way far prefer barefoot for foresty stuff...

[foxtrot92404]

Im Lovin It!

:D

Im really interested in this natural type of training, and Im gona try it out.

Time for me to get back to my Roots!!

[Ravensitu]

Music is to cover the..." ouch ouch ouch OUCH OUCH ouch OUCH ouuuuuuuuuuuch ouch"

[TheSlurpeeCup]

@Ravensitu

lol

[MovNat]

@Ravensitu yep running barefoot can be painful at times, depending on the terrain but mostly your technique and level of conditioning. In any case, a simple answer to this is "toughen up boy" ;).

[StuartHughes2990]

How long did it take you to develop calluses on your feet?

[daves106]

I'd shit myself if I was on that trail and I saw him running towards me with no shoes and no top on.

[MovNat]

@daves106 man, you're easy to impress...

[chrismcsween]

where is that?

[MovNat]

@chrismcsween ok, one more time....this is Corsica.

[obankobi]

He's strangely mesmerizing to watch...

[theerion]

@greenforce888 I believe he's using his arms as much for balance on this type of challenging terrain, where his mind's got to process a gazillion precise footfall decisions at once, than anything else. Inspiring to watch!

[FrekeOne]

this takes 150% concentration and luck I think. I may try it though but it will not be relaxing.

[MovNat]

@FrekeOne You "think" but "may have to try". How objective is that :D? Concentration only works when you know what to focus, if you don't know then only watching where you step will not take you very far. Relaxing is indeed very important, and focus is not incompatible with relaxed. There is a difference between focused and tense and between relaxed and mindless, right? If you want your body to be relaxed, you need your mind to be relaxed, but if you're not focused it will hurt anyway...

[theanvilcracks]

Off-the-topic question; what's the name of this tune? ;D

And also, where is this? Sure looks like a very nice trail...

[KillerMinT]

mm what happens if you stand on a piece of sh*t

[MovNat]

@KillerMinT you only step on it, you don't stand there buddy. Then you deal with it and move forward because in life shit happens.

[Nergock]

@KillerMinT Have you ever step on sh*t in your running shoes? Do you ask that questions to people who wear shoes?

[ruytijuas]

Amazing, this must be the most natural way to exercise. I wish I could run like the guy in the video.

[marcelkappes]

@ruytijuas well... u can run like that! just take your shoes off and go baby! hahahahhah

[BackInsight]

I bet this would really get a person to use all of their senses to get through a run. Very good for you and brings you back to a rooted way of moving about in this world

[pedohajen]

Very inspiring video! Wish we could have that kinda of a climate all year round in Sweden, hah. Well Well 3 pair of socks do the thing when its a bit chilly outside.

Btw I got a bloodblister last time I was out running barefoot, is that good or bad?

I'm taking it as a good thing, you know, that which does not kill you only makes you stronger.

[Vegemighty]

Look at how level his head and shoulders stay. He's only using his legs to move. He's a pro.

[bushidokop]

@Movnat- I'm looking forward to the book, too!

[romeor619]

this is amazing, i was just wondering whether it is possible to cure myopia/shortsightedness by running barefoot?

[MovNat]

@romeor619 it's probably the weirdest question I've ever heard about barefoot running ;D.

[HandiAce]

@MovNat He asked probably because the human body's senses are all designed to work together as one. If you sideline the rest of your senses, you atrophy parts of the sensory network.

[GildedAlien]

@romeor619 I could imagine barefoot running principles would be the same with myopia/shortsighted. Our eyes aren't meant to use glasses, therefore glasses may be weakening our eyes since we're not using muscles which may make them weaker.. so take off your eye glasses and do some eye exercises! Just my theory. haha

[davidrepp]

@GildedAlien I have thought of that also. I think running may have been more important in our evolution and I think we do a lot of abuse to our eyes now days through TV and reading and other activities that we did not evolve to do.

[Psycho888999]

@romeor619 the answer to your question lies within the realm of chinese acupuncture. A pressure point affecting the nerves in the eyes is found in the meaty ball area between the second and third toe. Barefoot running espouses the stimulus of the long inactive nerves in the feet and a more pronounced landing on the forefoot, so yes- the jolting activation of previously unaccessed points in your body's meridian lines caused by barefoot running can potentially improve your eyesight.

[tala12]

awesome!!!!

[bdoach]

Okay so barefoot running does strengthen the toes granted. However running with a shoe is safer and all around better. Yes barefoot is more natural but isnt better. A shoe is a tool. Do u think the cave men would of gone back to rocks after they invented the spear? yea the rock makes ur arm stronger but the spear is mor effective

[MovNat]

@bdoach Running barefoot strengthens more than just the toes but also the feet, ankles, calves, while strongly reducing impact and landing (collision force). Now, run barefoot if you like it, with shoes if you prefer. It's not about doing what cavemen did or about knowing what type of running is superior, it's about what you do with your body & mind, how you connect with nature and eventually your own satisfaction and happiness in life. Do what is good for you, what feels good to you.

[tomvanrheeden]

@bdoach Actually studies have shown that the thicker the sole of the shoe is, the more injury prone the runner becomes.

A 'regular' shoe is safer in the sense that you won't as likely cut your feet on glass/sharp stones, BUT the downside is an increase in probability of feet, ankle, lower leg (think shin splints), knee, upper leg and lower back injuries.

If you're interested in this topic you might want to youtube 'The Barefoot Professor'

[valgez]

@bdoach Where d u get all these issues about safety? Nobody's trying to present safety here... People like what they're doing, go try saying to a motorcycle driver that car is safer, or saying to a boxer that watching boxing is safer then boxing...

[greenforce888]

This guy runs really weird. Why doesn't he use his arms?

[MovNat]

@greenforce888 yes, why?

[gnitcm]

@MovNat because he isn't taking long strides and heel striking. With a shorter stride and keeping your feet more underneath, your arms don't have to swing as much. When he sprints at around 0:50 his arms are moving more to compensate for the longer stride.

[MovNat]

@gnitcm I am the one running in the video, so that was a good laugh. Correct explanation though ;).

[kenta000007]

@greenforce888 when you use your arms to run, not only do you take away from the exercise of your legs, but you begin to jump up as you run. We are taught to run in an arc-like manner, bouncing with every step, and that takes more energy than is actually necessary simply because we're hopping and not running. If you notice the way Erwan runs, he is only moving forward, not up. Theoretically you can run for miles more running Erwan's way than you can the way we're taught.

[SuckItLily]

@kenta000007 not questioning the research you did before you commented but why are there no olympian runners using something like vibrams (or even going completely barefoot) then and why are they all running "the way we're taught"? i mean those people know their stuff when it comes to running, some of them must have tried running barefoot.

also NO, you can support forward momentum just as well. SPRINT and you will realize that not moving your arms is simply a waste of potential.

[ProstigeWorldwide]

@greenforce888 i find myself doing that when i run barefoot in trails its because your so concentrated on the floor beaneath you

[mark95427]

@greenforce888

yeah... from what i see, this guy runs natural... but then again the first 15 years of my life were in kenya. lol.

[Elantry]

@greenforce888 unnecessary up-and down movement of the arms makes your feet hit the ground harder, which is bad when running barefoot on sharp twigs and rocks. The arms are also useful to balance the body, jump to avoid a bad step or brush away twigs.

[bakenet23]

i met this guy who was with barefoot ted at greenlake park in seattle. he "walked" around with FFs on. i didn't know he was that intense running barefoot lol

[c0nsci0usness]

WOW that looks exhilerating!!!! I need to find some trails where I can do this!

[rbw596]

Great video...

Thanks!

robert in North Carolina

[adiazdurana]

It seams a very pleasant experience! Nothing like barefoot running in nature.

[MovNat]

@adiazdurana It's overall pleasant. Depending on the terrain, it can't be tough actually, it means that it gets sometimes painful, but to me that's part of the game.

Running barefoot is more a mental game than physical. The only way to expand one's comfort zone is to challenge it, which is something most people are not willing to do. If you can make the apparently unpleasant become rewarding, then you grow stronger.

[axeluk]

Really inspiring videos. I grew up in Africa as a white man but went barefoot like the Africans whenever possible and knew intrinsically that this was the right way to move. I'm rediscovering the natural way of walking and running and exercising in nature late in life (in my 60s) now that I live in Europe. It's never too late to rediscover the feeling of being in perfect harmony with nature

[sonezen]

loved this. Looks totally like a human hunter. Very powerful.

[acronov]

how can you trust a guy who runs with his hands completely open lol.

[islandzebra]

cool video and excellent camera work !

[Trac3ri]

Hi Erwan, i want to start running barefoot.. But most paths here in sweden are made out of gravel, would you recommend me starting to just walk on gravel for a while before i start running? Or start running on some more nature trails made out of dirt? Thanks!

[Skzo7]

hows it goin mate just wondering if u would ever consider doing one of ur training courses in Australia. i reckon it would be a massive hit over here anything fitness related/mma takes of lyk crazy! i love the consept been looking for something lyk this for awhile to get away from the norm of goin to the gym!!! ur a legend mate!! keep it up!!

[TheCarLessDriven]

Hey Erwan, I was just wondering what shorts these are in the video. I like the style with the small cut up the side of them. I know you usually recommend MMA style shorts and these look like them, but I cant find any with the cuts up the side like these. It would be great if you could let me know what these are. Thanks!

[MovNat]

@TheCarLessDriven I'm wearing a MMA type shorts. But anything that feels comfortable to you would do. It also depends on the weather ;).

[FFtBold]

I've also got a pair of FFs, and have been following barefoot running for a couple of years. Now I'm only just fresh out of high school, 17, and I'm not in prime physical shape yet, but your site is one of my main sources of philosophical inspiration when it comes to fitness, Erwan.

Virtually everything i've read on movnat clicked with me, keep it up I say.

Also, I remember reading something about a book you were writing?

Until that, any other literature you can recommend?

[MovNat]

@FFtBold A book is on its way but it's a long process to write and publish a book. There are a few books on running barefoot now, that you can check out (I cannot actually recommend them since I haven't read them).

[CJRegan93]

I am currently a cross country runner at my high school and I have been following the barefoot running movement for a while now, I even did my term paper on it. I have been running in the Vibram FiveFingers for a number of months now because my town is mostly asphalt and concrete, I want to try to run barefoot but I'm not sure if my feet would be able to handle my daily 5-7 mile runs, even if I take time to build up their toughness. What would you suggest?

[MovNat]

@CJRegan93 Start your runs barefoot, take your FFs with you and put them back when it gets a bit tough on your feet, stop and check your bare "sole" from time to time. You can't expect to be ready just because you are used to run with FFs on, there are different levels of foot conditioning but the only way to toughen up your skin is to go actually barefoot. The smart way is to go incrementally, unless you enjoy to bust your feet :D.

[thegreatoutdoors1000]

@CJRegan93 im doing the same thing. It just takes a while( a few years) till youre feet get strong enough and thicker to handle the asphalt and the friction. im up to running about an hr in the streets barefoot.

[errolerin]

Hey Erwan, just started barefoot running recently and it's unbelievable, thanks for the words of encouragement and the video. Do you mostly do sprints, distance, or just whatever you're vibing at the moment? Also, I was formerly vegan and now giving the primal diet a try and so far really like it - any words advice as far as nutrition goes? Thanks.

[MovNat]

@errolerin You're welcome. I go for distance or speed, but often mix both by adding sharp accelerations to longer runs. I have no rule and follow no plan, and several resting days in a row are part of my approach. Diet: look into Paleo, Weston A. Price.

[SimonLy90]

Run barefoot in a gym to begin with. I used to have bad shin splints but not anymore. My feet have gotten way stronger. You just need to get used to it. You weren't born with shoes on. Why run with them?

[MovNat]

@SimonLy90 Not necessarily in a gym, but on a forgiving surface, at least in the beginning.

The conditioning needed to run on tougher terrains cannot be built in days, probably not even in weeks, at least in most people.

The key is to go incrementally, and the key to go incrementally is to be both patient and committed, with an ability to endure discomfort and sometimes pain. Can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

[moneyman1029]

I'd run barefoot if there weren't rocks and other stuff that would hurt my feet... Makes me wonder how my dog manages to take a dump without killing his paws when my whole driveway is gravel.

[MovNat]

@moneyman1029 Your dog is a pet, a domesticated animal (just like us) but he's still adapted to barefoot motion, while we're not anymore, unless we want to recover that ability.

It is not rocks that hurt your feet, it is their own weakness. It is not rocks that prevent you from going barefoot, but your fear of pain.

You can't increase your comfort zone without ever challenging it. The more comfort you seek, the less you actually have.

[NerdyCanadian]

I would run barefoot more often if I didn't live in a goddamn concrete jungle...so I'm stuck wearing running shoes.

[MovNat]

@NerdyCanadian It is actually quite easier to run on hard but smooth concrete surface in a city than on very rugged natural terrains such as rocky trails.

[whidbeyislandfarm]

Great video thanks!

[DrHarryDickman]

Awesome steady cam footage. I hate it when I'm out barefoot running and people with shoes look at me like I'm the crazy one! If they only knew...

[MichaelJLgs19p]

same

[Cornampoo]

Knew what? Why we invented the shoe in the first place?

[retrokiwikromify]

@DrHarryDickman lol same here

[deserttrailrunning]

Barefoot running changed my life. Such a great way to Re-Connect. Thanks for such a great video! Very inspirational!

[lordmetroid]

How hard do you find it to be running over the rocky parts?

In Sweden we have a lot of forest tracks with roots, sticks and stones quite constantly. I have yet to run because such environment seems quite dangerous to run over.

[MovNat]

@lordmetroid Depends on the kind of rock, depends on how long I run, depends on my mental state and my ability to endure discomfort or pain at a given moment.

I can't run barefoot anywhere or anytime or forever.

If the terrain is too tough, maybe I cannot stand running very long, if at all. Feet are not designed to be insensitive.

Again, a good alternative when it's too tough is to wear minimal shoes, it is already much better than wearing thickly cushioned footwear.

[iSkyttens]

@lordmetroid

I live in Sweden too and I just started barefoot running, I only ran acroos a root one time and it hurt for a few seconds but so what? I use my eyes to keep away from things that hurts, and small rocks "grus" hurts a bit sometimes but its far better than wearing shoes and getting injuries for months .D

Barefoot running is the best thing in the world and please people post videos of yourselfs running barefoot haha :D

[yungbulll]

Why bare foot bro??

[lordmetroid]

Because it is the way the foot is design to run.

The running shoe was invented in around mid seventies, however it forces the runner to hit the ground heel first, which causes tremendous force. The foot has evolved to land on the ball first and let the tendons and the movement of the foot absorb a lot of energy that would otherwise be transfered on the impact, preventing injuries and actually makes running a lot easier.

[MovNat]

Minimal shoes were invented thousands of years ago.

The modern, highly cushioned running shoe was invented in around the mid seventies indeed, supposedly to run better and avoid injury, while there is an increasing evidence that it is the opposite that happened.

[MovNat]

Why shod?

[allanjorch]

Truly astonishing! Your running looks so effortless.

And when you go around a "corner", you reminded me of a computeranimation, and then when I thought about it, maybe it's because you're keeping your body so upright and maybe turning in your ankles more than anything else?! Inspiring stuff!

And yeah - the filming is so cool! What a video - thanks for posting :)

[lordmetroid]

The upright posture comes almost automatically when you run barefoot as humans are evolved to do. The posture really feels very natural to run in and it does indeed take a lot less effort to run.

[MdsFiveOhOneFour]

that looks like such a cool place to run

[stratius]

Hey Erwan, very nice and inspiring video. What kind of shorts do you use so you can run and swim without chafing?

[MovNat]

I use MMA type shorts. I have now my own MovNat training shorts, MMA cut, very light, can't feel them when I move, I love them.

[lvv2run]

Hey Erwan how'd you get this video to be so steady and not bumpy? Did the video guy have like a tool of some sort?

[MovNat]

Steadycam, professional filming gear.

[nuketheunicorns]

Question: are your running workouts based more around long distance endurance running, or more sprint-style activities? I would love to know!

[MovNat]

Both. No routine. It is however possible to program training though, but I don´t need it at the moment, unless I would prepare for a specific event.  My personal training is very intuitive because I know myself very well, but beginners should always have some sort of training plan, which is part of the MovNat training system.

[nuketheunicorns]

I see, thanks for the reply. I ask because I am a distance runner who is thinking of trying to add some MovNat type stuff to my training. I remember reading an article in Men's Health a little while back, I believe it was with Erwan Le Corre, talking about his training and diet, and all I could think was, "that makes perfect sense." Thanks for the feedback!

[MovNat]

You're welcome.

It was me in Men's Health last year indeed. I am working on a DVD (or several) so that people can get started with their MovNat solo training. There is going to be more movement on the website soon too. It is a training-coaching system, but it is also a natural approach of life, like a natural-evolutionary lifestyle.

[THETOMANATOR2]

just a quick question how do you deal with running in winter? do you still go barefoot or do you use vibrams/shoes?

[MovNat]

Depend on what I want to train, depends on how tough is the terrain or the weather conditions, depends on how long the run's supposed to be etc...

[jpharr11]

I watched "this guy" and read the comments, and then when I watched again, I thought, you're pretty amazing and it looks like you feel great, but your cameraman must be AWESOME to keep up with you and film at the same time! I'd like to get tips from the cameraman. ;-)

[MovNat]

Tim used a steadycam system to follow me. I had to reduce my pace a lot though so he could follow, or else I would run quite faster. So I made it a cool jog so we could have great images. Tim is an awesome cameraman and a great guy to hang out with.

[parkourdude100]

you must have a unique technique for running, because it looks quite relaxed and easy, yet you are moving actually quite fast

[11111tony]

I have been running for years but started running barefoot nearly a year ago (aged 46). For most of my life I hardly ever went barefoot let alone run. It's great. Adds a new dimension to running. I will never go back to shoes.

[arseniy0410]

I am starting to run barefoot, and i have one question, I am scared of treading on pieces of metal, glass or wire? sharp rocks? i pay attention where i step, but some of my old running paths have these things laying around. Any suggestions?

[MovNat]

Find a clean, safe path or wear minimal shoes. Last is to deal with the risk when you feet got tougher and your vision sharper.

[OrionFyre]

I've been barefooting now for almost a year. The most common question I get asked is "omg, what about glass and nails!?". The simple fact is we have eyes. Running isn't just putting one foot in front of the other, everything about our bodies is designed to run and do it extremely well. Even your eyes are adapted for it. Continously scan the ground ahead of you. Soon enough you'll be running on 1" limestone rock faster than the shods

[heavysurf858]

vibram five finger shoes. they're like reef shoes, but with individual toe pockets. grip to your feet, with minimal weight and obstruction with a thick rubber/plastic sole. just google search "Vibram five fingers". theyre designed for barefoot running. a bit expensive but worth the investment. just got a pair, love them.

[Justintosh]

I use the Vibrams for winter running, so my feet don't freeze. They're awesome, and work & feel great.

[parkourdude100]

maybye continue to run on these paths, and yeah watch your step, if you hurt yourself, then do NOT go running Barefoot until it is completely healed (I almost got infected when i neglected a cut on my foot) and then resume barefoot. over time this will toughen your feet up, i hope.

[SweetEscape24]

i would like to try barefoot running but I don't want to skin my feet or step on glass or something. This guy must really have to watch his step on that bumpy rocky terrain to make sure he doesn't get hurt. Wouldn't be better to run on a flat surface or on a beach or something so you don't get hurt? and i took a look at those vibram five fingers, would it be better to wear those so you don't hurt your feet?

[MovNat]

I'm "this guy". Proprioception, i.e spatial awareness, is what you want to develop, with peripheral vision. Foot conditioning is of course involved, tougher skin, stronger bone structure, relaxed feet muscles etc.

The ability to run barefoot on rocky terrain doesn't happen overnight, again incremental progress is key. Starting with minimal shoes is a good strategy indeed. You can achieve this alone if you are mindful & cautious, or seek pro coaching if you want to shorten the learning curve.

[SweetEscape24]

ok thanks for the tips :)

[HandiAce]

Part of running barefoot I think is not just tougher skin, but also how you run as well. Your foot is designed to feel the ground. It's not something that gets super tough and doesn't feel pain. It's also meant to provide sensory feedback that tells you how to run and where you are stepping without the need for giant calluses over the entire bottom of your foot.

[MovNat]

Indeed. Most of human movement demands to be on support on feet and also hands, hence the sole of feet and our palms to benefit of such a dense innervation, designed primarily not for shiatsu :D but to create sensitivity that provide information on our direct environment and how we should move in relation to it.

Feet and hands never loose sensitivity even after years of natural movement training.

[slidenote]

I ran on te beach barefoot a lot last year, so I was kind of used to it. A couple nights ago I ran 4 miles on pavement barefoot. The hard part was running downhill. I skinned my toes a little.

Tomorrow I'll try a flatter course.

[jenatlax]

Looks good. What's the music?

[TheHikingStick]

The thing that seems so obvious (that most people have missed) is that most kids start out as barefoot walkers and runners. We tend to force them into shoes, but they often take them off. I've got one son who can't keep his shoes on anytime he is outside. He runs, plays, and even climbs trees--all while barefoot. I'm in a running training program now, and I'm going to look into this for myself, because I remember running barefoot as a child.

[oldpiq]

I tried that just the other week. I kicked the rock, and now am recovering.

[Scicotion]

Only if my parents and everybody else sees what im talking about. I always get put on punishment when ever i get caught going running barefoot outside. cant wait until im an adult.

[jjassonnlee]

run for your life

[gregiep]

I've seen this video a couple times and just realized something. The camera man is a freaking ninja. Watch it again and think about what the camera man must be doing.

[nwwfmaniac529]

thats exactly what i was just thinking. how could he possibly be keeping up while keeping the camera so still

[MovNat]

Technical improvement is crucial indeed but so is the conditioning of the feet (skin and muscles) and of all muscles involved, usually in disuse when running with shoes. It is a process that takes time and must be done incrementally, it is also specific to terrain or weather conditions.

It is also a common misconception to believe good technique is just a matter of foot placement, there is much more to technique than just that. Efficient barefoot natural movement is a whole world of knowledge.

[sam24jeff]

I realized that yesterday as it was first run in my new "five fingers". Based on reviews I thought that my gait would immediately become restricted by the barefoot feel. That wasn't the case. The proper barefoot stride does not come naturally to me anymore. It's gonna take alot of work. I can tell by the way my calves feel tonight.

[MovNat]

Indeed Sam. I'll repeat it over and over, efficient, optimal natural movement does NOT necessarily come "naturally".

Actually, when one rehearses inefficient patterns it gets imprinted in the neural pathway & becomes a habit, leading to injury sooner or later. This goes for all types of movement patterns. Anyone thinking that buying Five Vibram Fingers is all you have to do to move naturally well is wrong. That's only if you're either lucky, or if you're very mindful and knowledgeable. Period.

[ughthedestroyer]

Just tried running barefoot last night. It felt freeing, also shows where the weaknesses in my technique were. Thanks for this.

[MisterSawParkour]

this is more than inspiring,more then natural, it`s about enjoying the true nature ant using your body to adapt to unusual terraing an places,it`s the perfect fizique conditioning, tnx for the video you have my support

10 x

[TheRealjos2thehua]

Really cool and inspiring...

[rolyatnitram1]

hey do you have any tips on people who are beginning barefoot running? i run cross country at my school and it would be cool to be doing some thing different from all the other runners. haha this is inspirational, keep it up man

[TakkBear]

Start off slow and enjoy the sore calves and blisters.

[RandJordan]

Thank you for this :)

[capturethatflag4]

This stuff is really inspiring. Since I ditched the shoes and left the gym everything seems to have changed. My whole outlook on life is different. Keep up the good work man, keep spreading the word and eventually the whole world will listen.

[MovNat]

This was filmed in what is probably my favorite place on Earth, Corsica, France.

To me running is never a boring "cardio workout" kind of chore.

It is about moving fast or on a longer distance in the most efficiently adaptive manner possible.

The more adaptive, the more challenging, the more pleasurable.

[ristobenjie]

I have just subscribed, am in Michigan in the United States. You have quantumly inspired me, yes I said quantumly, you, by way of Charles Hebert, by way of Mont Pelee, St. Pierre, Martinique on 8/5/02

[naturalistathlete]

Is this filmed in corsica or itacare ?

Its good to see you felt the need to put emphasis on the most simplist and most often neglected fundamental movement, running.

Dave.

[parkournay]

nice your a real inspiration bud

peace

[arloj]

Gah, I wish there were trails like this near my house.

[christeamjinsoku]

such good technique!! i love your videos! are you posting one for each basic movement? im sure it would be such an informative series if you did.

[gc5484]

Right on.

[woody369]

Great form.

Hope to meet/train with you some time in the near future.

-WOODY-

[louroll61]

Thank you Erwan, I admire and respect what you're trying to show the world and hope that some day more people will understand the capabilities of the true human being. Thank You, I look forward to seeing more of your work.

No Shoes Lew

[Xpedite]

Great Stuff Erwan, so much beauty, function and challenge in the simplest of movements with nothing but your body, and being barefeet.

Would be great to catch up and chat some time.