Why Lifting in Your Socks Can Be Beneficial

When you think of lifting weights, the first thing that comes to mind is probably working out in a gym. However, there is another option: lifting in your socks! Believe it or not, this can be a beneficial way to work out and even lead to better results. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of lifting in socks and explain why TRUEENERGY® socks are the best to lift in.

Why Lifting in Just Socks or Your Bare Feet is Beneficial

So, why do people lift with no shoes? For starters, weightlifting sans shoes is nothing new. You can even see a young Arnold Schwarzenegger doing deadlifts while barefoot in some of his vintage school training videos. And if you followed his successful weightlifting career, you could tell the former Mr. Olympia was on the right track.

If you are wondering exactly why you should forego the shoes to work out like Arnie, there are several reasons; the main one is that doing so can be beneficial in many ways, including helping with balance and improving your grip on the weights. Read on to learn more about these benefits and how they can help you achieve your fitness goals.

Helps Balance

When you lift weights, it's crucial to maintain balance to avoid injury. When you're lifting in just socks or your bare feet, you have to be especially aware of your balance since there is nothing else on your feet to keep you stable. Doing so can help you develop better balance overall, which can also help with other activities such as running and playing sports.

Improves Grip

Another benefit of lifting in just socks or your bare feet is improving your grip on the weights. This beneficial effect happens because when you're wearing shoes, the soles can act as a barrier between your feet and the floor, making it difficult to grip the weights properly. There is no barrier when you're lifting in just socks or bare feet, and you can get a better grip on the weights. This result can help you lift more weight, avoid injury and improve your workout results.

Increases Strength in Feet and Ankles

Lifting without shoes can also increase strength in your feet and ankles. That's because when you're wearing shoes, the shoes take on some of the impact of the weight. When you're lifting in just socks, your feet and ankles have to bear the full force of the weight, which can help to strengthen them over time. This result is especially beneficial for runners and other athletes who need strong feet and ankles.

Stronger Muscles because of More Activation 

Lifting in just socks or bare feet requires more balance and stability, leading to more muscle activation. That means you're working the muscles you're targeting with your exercise and the stabilizer muscles around them. This effect can lead to stronger muscles overall and help you achieve your fitness goals more quickly.

Is Lifting without Shoes Safe?

While lifting in just socks or your bare feet may seem a little risky, it's actually very safe when done correctly. Here's why. Lifting without shoes will make you feel more grounded and give you better balance. Because of that, you can lift heavier weights and decrease your risk of injury.

New York physical therapist, Tyler Nightingale, spoke with Livestrong and said that this beneficial effect happens because "your brain gets better sensory feedback from the floor via your foot."

Still, lifting in your bare tootsies or socks may not be for everyone. For instance, if you are just prone to clumsiness, a dumbbell dropped on your foot will put a serious hurt on you. In that case, it's better to be safe than sorry and wear shoes when lifting weights.

Also, if you have osteoporosis or a lower limb fracture, it's best to avoid going barefoot or sockless when lifting. In these cases, you could end up with a severe injury if you drop even a small weight on your foot.

Meanwhile, you want to pay attention to the surface where you're lifting weights. Going barefoot isn't the best idea if you're doing it outside since there are things like plant burrs, splinters, sharp metal or glass fragments, or even gross things like dog poop you can step on.

Socks won't offer you much protection against sharp or filthy things, and you'll also have soiled socks to deal with on top of everything else. Additionally, if you are working out on dirty gym floors, you'll need to wear socks since there are all sorts of bacteria and other nastiness that can live on the floor.

Finally, if you are working out on polished gym floors vs. a mat, it may be best to forego the socks since they can cause you to slip and take a nasty tumble.

So, is lifting in just socks safe? For the majority of people, the answer is yes. But be smart about it and listen to your body—if something doesn't feel right, stop doing it. Also, be sure to start out slowly when lifting in just socks and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger.

But if you don't have any problems with balance or coordination, give lifting without shoes a try. You may find that it gives you an edge in your workout routine. Be sure to take your time and gradually increase the weight as you get stronger. And always consult with a doctor before starting any new workout routine.

Trust TRUEENERGY® as your Lifting Socks

Now that we’ve answered the question can you lift barefoot and extolled the benefits of lifting in just socks, you're probably wondering what kind you should use to get started. TRUEENERGY® socks are the perfect choice for lifting weights. They are made with infrared technology, which helps to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. They also provide arch support and are anti-microbial, so your feet will stay healthy and clean smelling, even after a tough workout.