Basketball shoes are an athletic shoe that many men have in their collection. Clearly designed for the rigors of playing basketball, basketball shoes can be used for other sports and athletic activities where running, jumping, lateral movement and balance are involved. Get an effective workout by training with basketball shoes the right way.
Training Methods
With flat soles, ankle supports and plenty of protection, basketball shoes are a good alternative to lifting shoes for men who lift weights. Wear basketball shoes with no gaps on the sole for maximum surface area to help with balance, especially on lower body lifts like the squat and lunge. Basketball shoes also are appropriate for plyometric exercises, where you perform a series of leaps and position changes in a fixed space for a strength and cardiovascular workout.
Sports
Basketball shoes are appropriate for training for or playing men's sports like basketball or volleyball, although they tend to be slightly heavier than volleyball shoes. Basketball shoes also can be used for court sports like racquetball and squash, although high-top shoes can limit mobility in these sports. Playing these sports can increase cardiovascular health, burn fat, and build speed, agility and reaction time.
Limitations
With their protective bulk and thick ankle supports, basketball shoes are inappropriate for certain athletic activities that men perform, such as prolonged running. Basketball shoes have flat soles, so they are not ideal for use on rough trails, turf or grass. For these reasons, basketball shoes are not good for running outdoors or for soccer or football.
Considerations
If your only athletic shoes are basketball shoes and you are looking for a quality workout, consider finding a basketball court for performing basketball running drills. Suicide drills build speed, durability, coordination and strength. Begin at the baseline and run to the foul line. Run back to the baseline and do 10 pushups. Run to half court, then run back to the baseline for 10 more pushups. Continue until you reach the other baseline.
Safety
In an article on the America Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine website, Michael Lowe, DPM, team podiatrist with the Utah Jazz, said the average high school basketball player can decrease his incidence of overuse injury by replacing his basketball shoes on a regular basis.
Member Comments