Keep Your Feet Happy

On Mondays I usually spend hours cleaning up from whatever damage the children have created in my house.  I clean up and down and all over just trying to get it back to a liveable level. I know it won’t last but I need to have it clean for at least 5 minutes so I can breath. After last Monday’s epic cleanup, I headed off grocery shopping and finished the night doing 2 back-to-back Zumba classes. When my head hit the pillow that night my first thought was “Oh my aching feet.” My feet were killing me.

I received a Gel Pro Elite Mat in exchange for this post.  All opinions are my own.

I tried to think of what I did to cause my feet to be screaming at me. I came to realize there a ton of reasons my feet hated me, and that I needed to do what I could to avoid future issues.

Footwear Causing Wear
Shoes really are for every occasion. I know that sometimes that amazingly sexy shoe is going to kill me after a few hours of wear, but beauty is pain right?  But, did you know that your feet could be bothering you because of their poor fit, or lack of cushion?  If you are going to spend a ton of time on your feet, check for proper fit. Shoes that are too tight or too loose may be okay for short term use, but spending all day in them could lead to significant foot pain. Wearing flip flops to clean the house all day will also leave your feet aching. If you love flip flops, check out the brands sporting the gel cushions.  Your feet will thank you!

Replace, Run, Repeat
Your comfy sneakers may not be provided you with the support you need anymore.  Running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles. You may start to notice a change in the way your body feels after a run. Runners say that the shoes feel “dead.”  When you head off to replace them, consider visiting a runner’s specific shop. These shops can use computers to map what your feet do during a run and then they can provide you with suggestions for the best shoes just for you!

Stretch Again and Again
Before your start any exercise,  it’s important to stretch.  Cleaning toilets is a former of exercise,  so stretching before you start your day is a great habit to start. Stretch your feet as well as your muscles, they have a long journey, so they need to be prepared.

Rest Your Tired Toes
Sit down. Put up your feet. Release the pressure they have been under all day. Your feet need the break as much as you need a break!

Stand and Deliver
Standing for long periods of time can make your tired feet beg for a break. Standing on particularly hard surfaces doesn’t add any relief. It’s important to use a cushioned surface, especially when you are standing for a ton of time. There are a ton of different options, but you can’t beat the amazing Gel Pro Elite Kitchen Mat.

Gel Pro Elite Kitchen Mats are made with a Dual Comfort Core System consisting of a layer of GelPro’s proprietary gel over a layer of custom-engineered energy-return foam. The result is a mat that properly conforms to the shape of your feet, offers maximum support and stability, and has a springy cushion that never bottoms out. The top surface is stain-resistant and easy to clean, and the high-traction bottom surface has anti-microbial properties for added protection. Crafted in the USA, the contoured design of the GelPro Elite Mat includes a contemporary new look, beveled edges to help prevent tripping, and reinforced, no-curl edges. Gel Pro Elite Mats are available in a variety of different colors to match your decor.

My Gel Pro Elite Kitchen mat has made doing the dishes an almost pleasant task. It really helps absorb the pressure in your back and feet. My old kitchen mat was supposedly made with a non-slip backing, but it always slide out from under my feet.  Not the Gel Pro Elite.  That baby doesn’t move unless you want it to!  I never trip over it (unlike the old one) because the edges are beveled. I also love how easy it is to clean. Other mats seem to just collect whatever is around (dog fur!) you can wipe this mat down when you need to. When we first got it out of the box we were surprised by how thick and heavy it was. My girls think it also makes an excellent trampoline.  I have to get them off the mat so I can do the dishes.  My 5 year old would love to sleep on it. I have a friend, she’s a nurse, and she wants one of these mats behind the desk at the hospital. I think I know what to get her for Christmas!

The Gel Pro Elite would make an amazing gift for someone you know that is suffering from feet, leg or back pain. You can grab the Gel Pro Elite at their online store or at retail locations near you such as Target and Bed, Bath and Beyond.

How do you keep your feet happy?