Vibram Fivefingers

Today I went on an urban trek. For weeks I've been saying that I would go and check out Vibram Fivefingers at the Wheatgrass Center in Kaimuki, so today I decided to make an excursion out of it.

Here are a couple of links to the Wheatgrass Center and info on Vibram Fivefingers:
Wheatgrass Center

Vibram FiveFingers

I walked up to the Wheatgrass Center on Center Street off of Waialae Avenue in Kaimuki from my place - it took about 40 minutes at a casual pace. Vibram FiveFingers are available at many other locations including Uyeda Store, The Running Room, and Robin's, but I wanted to support the Wheatgrass Center since I used to work for the former owners, Jean and Wayne Fukuda, who have since passed away. Thankfully, the Wheatgrass Center has maintained great customer service, which is why many people choose to shop there, and I was not disappointed.

The two women working today were wonderful and patient in explaining the various FiveFinger models. A guy walked in about the same time as me and seemed to have a similar knowledge base as me, so that worked out well when the sales women were explaining things. I tried on a sample pair to get an idea of sizing before delving into a specific model and color. These guys have a pretty extensive selection! I decided to start off with a pair of Classics, pictured above, and maybe later on I'll look into some of the other models designed for running or more vigorous activity.

Why would I want a pair of gecko-footed looking shoes? (Especially since I loathe and am almost deathly afraid of lizards...) I started reading about them a while back and how they are supposed to be good for you since they allow your foot to work naturally, while offering protection. I also started thinking more about them because of my Pilates training. My Pilates instructor and I recently came to the conclusion that I walk funny. As a result, my calves are overdeveloped and there are some muscles and joints I should be using more while walking. Hopefully the FiveFingers can help me accomplish that, although I've also been making a conscious effort to not walk funny, which seems to be helping. It might also help straighten out my baby toe which has a tendency to curl inward. Maybe I should take before and after photos of my toes!

In any event, I've only had my Vibram FiveFingers for about 9 hours now, but so far so good. They are very comfortable. While you can order them online, I would strongly suggest trying them on in person. Besides the fitting sample, I tried on two pairs, the same size and style, and the one I ended up purchasing was more comfortable than the other pair I tried on. And if you're on Oahu, I highly recommend the Wheatgrass Center in Kaimuki, which has a great selection and offers great service too.

Twice a Week Torture

My job basically consumes my entire life between January and April, and therefore gives me little time to squeeze in anything resembling exercise or fitness. Even when I do have time, I am usually exhausted and just want to lie in a vegetative state. However, while I was never the type to be involved in organized sports, I do like to be outdoors and participate in activities and exercise. In my younger days, I'd spend time skating, shooting hoops, or going to the beach. Depending on my social circles at the time, I also went through phases of shooting pool and fishing (I know, it's not exercise, but it is some form of activity!). My one pretty constant activity is walking, which at times has turned into jogging.

A while back, probably over 10 years ago, my friend Liann started teaching Pilates. Liann is one of those people everyone just loves to be around because she is always bubbly and positive. I'm pretty sure she could sell ice to Eskimos if she wanted to, and hence, when she asked if I wanted to come to her class, I quickly agreed. Really, how hard could Pilates be? Isn't it just stretching? The short answer is: HELL no!

What is Pilates? I'm really not good at articulating it, but I can tell you that it's not like yoga. While I have never tried yoga, its basis appears to be more of a spiritual practice that helps lead to mental and physical well-being. Pilates involves a lot of control and proper breathing to help build core strength. While you don't need equipment to do Pilates, there are some contraptions and tools that can be used.

Back to the torture sessions...way back then, I started off in a group class. For anyone who wants to try Pilates, you really can't learn it from a video. You need someone there to demonstrate and correct your technique and form. Over the years, I've been working off and on with Liann. A couple years ago, a small group of us would go to Kapiolani Park during lunch time. Then I started going to Liann's house with one other woman and Liann would train us both at the same time. But this year, it's just Liann and me. "No more hiding," she said. She will catch me if I'm cheating. Although most of the time, I don't realize I'm cheating until she points it out to me.

I decided that instead of once a week, I'd try twice a week. Pilates with a private trainer is expensive, but I'm at a point in my life where I feel that it's worth it for my health. Plus, Liann is a great trainer and friend. Not only does she help train me with Pilates, she'll look at other lifestyle factors and help guide me as to how else I can improve my health and fitness. She tailors my sessions to work on areas of my body (specifically, my hip flexors) that may need more help since I also do a lot of walking. She also stretches me out and "massages" me. I have quotes around the word "massages" because it's not like getting a massage at a day spa - it's more like shiatsu or sports therapy massage. She knows about all these weird muscles that most of us never heard of and she'll almost bring me to tears as she rubs these areas. But it's one of those "good pain" things.

And then there are the Pilates contraptions. The main one is the Pilates Reformer, or what I affectionately refer to as the "torture device," which can be used in may different ways to work various muscle groups. We've also used exercise balls, resistance bands, and foam rollers. While Pilates does involve stretching and can actually lengthen you, it also works on building muscle. I can tell you that my abs, arms, and legs feel it.

I just completed my 4th week and there have already been noticeable results. Changes were noticeable just after my first week - at first I thought it was in my mind, but then Liann said, "Is your body changing shape already?" I've also been walking pretty frequently, about 3-4 times per week and have been more cognizant of what I'm eating. Since the beginning of May I've lost about five pounds, but more importantly, I've lost inches and my body has changed shape by becoming leaner and toner. My flexibility has also improved.

I have a ways to go and need to work on setting more concrete goals, but Pilates combined with walking, has proven to be a satisfying way for me to get fit. Pilates is more of a strength-training type of exercise and walking is my cardio exercise, so the two balance well. Together with being more aware of what I'm consuming and throwing in an occasional hike or swim, my fitness regimen is well-balanced and works for my lifestyle.