A common mistake people make when they are working out is wearing the incorrect kind of footwear. Whether it be that they are just unaware of it, figure it doesn't make that much of a difference, or (and I have been guilt of this in the past!) they are looking to cut back on expenses and don't want to invest in a new pair of running shoes. But the truth is, if you aren't wearing the right kind of shoes you are drastically increasing your chances for getting injured; and even if you don't wind up injured enough to warrant taking time of you could be left with nagging sorenesses, tightnesses, and aching joints. What's also interesting is that many common ailments aren't necessarily directly around the foot or ankle; because of different running gaits and the other movements you undertake during your particular activities of choice it can be surprising to learn that a strained hip flexor or even serious back problems are tied to the shoes on your feet.

That being said, the first thing you need to know when you are getting the proper shoes for working out is your foot type. Once you've determined whether you are an overpronator, supinator, or neutral foot type you then can shop accordingly. Now once you've found the perfect pair of running shoes the next thing you have to do is put a life term on those kicks; an average shoe should last about 500 miles. That can work out to being two months or up to six depending on how many miles you run a week, so take a trip back to elementary school and do a little mathematics. :) That is just a rough estimate and again everyone is different; some people land particularly hard on their heels or forefoot so if you notice that the treads are wearing thin (usually running shoes have a black or darker colored bottom, if you start to see the lighter shades under that top layer it's time to lay those shoes to rest) then you may have to get a new pair even sooner.

Making sure to get a new pair of shoes can be something that slips peoples' minds, so if you keep a training log it can be helpful to write in the date you purchased a new pair as a reminder. It is surprising how you can sometimes 'feel' that you need a new pair of shoes; you may notice a tight Achilles, your knees are sore, or you could start having a flare up of shin splints. When these things start to occur people sometimes look to other forms of treatment (which is always smart to do in addition) when in fact they could have solved the problem with a simple shoe change.

Finally, another tip is to actually buy two pairs of running shoes and then alternate between the two. This actually will prolong the life of each shoe; both a cost effective and smart way to stave off an injury. I know that some people take to their workouts or go running in the wrong pair of shoes just because they don't know any better...but I cringe when I see someone running in a pair of converse (and I've seen others sporting jeans!) and think it must be something akin to what your dentist would think if he knew you were brushing with your finger. ;)

So be smart, diagnose your foot type, get the right pair of shoes, then keep tabs on those shoes and be ready to send them to the grave when it's time. You can actually be eco-friendly and recycle them; Nike stores usually have a bin for you to toss your old running shoes into in one of their Reuse-a-Shoe bins which is a neat program that will grind down the shoes and then reuse them to build tracks, playground equipment, and other neat things.

It sometimes amazes me what people will where when they are doing their workout programs. Today in the gym I saw a man wearing moccasin slippers; this has been one of the odder fitness shoe selections I've seen in quite a while but by no means the weirdest. When I was working in a gym I spotted a woman lifting weights in open toed high heels...no joke. Not only does this look ridiculous, as there really is no need to make such a fashion statement pumping iron, but it is dangerous for a couple of reasons. First, I'll guarantee she isn't able to do all of her moves with the proper form and she is setting herself up for an injury, and secondly if she were to drop one of these dumbbells on her foot she is looking at a nice set of broken toes.

There are other poor fitness clothes choices for when you are working out; I've seen people running in jeans and a belt, I don't even want to think about that kind of chaffing. No doubt that will burn a bit when they go to later take a shower. And while I give them props for getting out there and doing their workouts, should they be wearing the right kind of gym clothing they would not only be more comfortable but their workouts would improve too.

Take for instance someone wearing jeans, they aren't going to be able to get a full range of motion and their strides will be shorter than they should. Instead were they to wear a pair of running shorts they would improve their efficiency, in turn have better form, and thus be able to run faster. Proper fitness clothes could make the difference between cutting a workout short too; if you are wearing hot jeans and cotton shirts that are absorbing and retaining all of your sweat and body heat you could be left stiflingly hot after only a few moments. With clothes that instead breathe and that are made out of a moisture wicking material you could go longer without being left overheating and with huge pit stains.

When it comes to shoes, while I love my Converse they aren't for running. They lack the necessary support that your foot needs. This is especially true if you overpronate and you will soon find yourself with an injury, whether it be knee pain, shin splints, Achilles problems, plantar fasciitis, or another form of tendonitis.

You can still infuse a little fashion and personal flair in your workout clothes; there are plenty of lines that are geared towards just that. Still, while you are working up a sweat your main focus should be at doing your best to then get the very most out of each workout.

If you are working out in the wrong pair of athletic shoes you are setting yourself up for an injury. Running in Converse may make a fashion statement but in terms of the amount of support your foot will be getting it is practically nil. A common mistake for either new or uninformed exercisers is that they overlook their footwear. Especially in weight bearing and repetitive movements such as with running, stair climbing, power walking, or aerobics where you will be putting continued stress on your feet you need both proper support and adequate cushioning.

There are three main kinds of foot types and you will want to figure out which category you fall under and then seek out an athletic shoe that will fit your needs. These categories are: overpronators, supinators, and neutral foot types. Those that overpronate have an arch that collapses or rolls inward for each footstep. Those that supinate are the opposite in that their feet roll outwardly each time they plant. Finally a neutral foot type is what is to be considered the 'perfect' foot in that when you step your arches neither collapse or bow outwardly. This is hard to diagnose yourself and is easier for someone looking at you walk to determine. Yet you can do a simple test yourself by getting your foot wet and then making a foot print on say a dry patch of pavement. An overpronator's foot will have the most area of dark 'water print' and you will see that over the area where your foot's arch is. Those that supinate will see only a small area of water mark around the arch area and probably only a sliver on the outside of the foot area. A neutral foot will be in the middle of these and while you will see a definite water mark on the outside of the foot area you won't see too much where the arch is.

Once you have discovered your own foot type you will then want to find the correct athletic shoe to wear when you are working out and exercising. If you overpronate you will need a shoe that will give you enough support as your arch rolls in as you step. Shoes like these are called 'stability shoes' and they are the ones that will have a darker, more rigid material on the sole directly below the arch. Supinators are known to have rigid bone structure in their feet and without enough cushioning in their workout shoes they are likely to get stress fractures or injuries there. You then want an athletic shoes that boasts a high level of cushioning and you will find that the soles of these shoes are generally all or mostly white and when you press the material it feels spongy and soft. For those lucky enough to have neutral feet you can get away with almost any shoe and be fine, but be cautious of shoes that are overly supportive and rigid designated for those who are drastic overpronators. Instead you will want shoes that are mostly cushioned and that feels comfortable when you walk and not too hard.

Especially if you are going to be increasing the amount of time you are working out in the gym or the number of miles you will be running you need to make sure that your athletic shoes are that of a high quality. You will also want to make sure you replace them every few months as they begin to break down and look worn out. This will help you stay injury free and on the path of your fitness and weight loss goals!