Interesting articles around a barefoot lifestyle.
 We all want to run away from old age. Engelbert Müller does it very simply! He is 87 years old. His hobby is running half marathons. In leguano barefoot shoes, of course:
leguano: Mr. Müller, how long have you been doing your sport, how long have you been running (half) marathons? Engelbert Müller: Since 1997, I ran my first half marathon on May 7th, 2000. This was followed by 26 more half marathon runs. leguano: You don't do that on the fly. How often and how long do you train? What is your training like? Engelbert Müller: I have to differentiate between before Corona and during Corona. Before Corona 3x a week, during Corona 1x a week, since there are no competitions and my weaker self whispers to me that I don't have to run at all when the weather is bad. The weaker self would not have stood a chance before Corona. leguano: You outperform a lot younger people – how do you manage that (at your age)? Engelbert Müller: I keep fit with gymnastics and have the ambition to overtake some of the runners in front of me in competitions. leguano: How long have you been training / running in leguano? How did you come across leguano? Engelbert Müller: I have been training and running in Leguano since 2017. At a marathon trade fair in Hanover in 2016, one of your area managers, whom I knew from running, drew my attention to the barefoot shoes. I immediately bought the active yellow one. leguano: Which model do you use for your competitions? Engelbert Müller: In the warm season I ran with the aktiv yellow , in the cold season with the kosmo black and since May 6, 2021 with the city blue . leguano: What is your biggest success so far? Is there a competition that you are particularly proud of?Engelbert Müller: My greatest success: 5th place in my age group at the German Half Marathon Championships in Hanover in 2018, run with an active yellow . I'm particularly proud of my first marathon in Berlin on September 10, 2000 at the age of 66. It was the turn of the century and millennium and a run through the Brandenburg Gate. I didn't have a running watch and just started running. My time 04:00:06 hours . With a watch I would have managed the 6 seconds. I actually only wanted to run one marathon, but 11 more followed. leguano: How else do you keep fit? Engelbert Müller: Every morning before breakfast I do about 45 minutes of gymnastics and stretching exercises and work out on my home trainer. After breakfast, I walk my dog about 3.5 km through fields and woods every day, whatever the weather. leguano: when/what is your next championship? Engelbert Müller: I don't have any plans yet because I don't know what will happen next with Corona. leguano: What makes the leguanos so special for you? Engelbert Müller: The iguanos woke my foot muscles from their slumber. I had flat feet and have worn insoles for decades. Some time ago it was noticed that my left leg is shorter than the right one, so I got new insoles again, which were slightly higher on the left foot to compensate for the shorter leg. After a few days I left them off because I couldn't walk properly with them. With the iguanos, my arch has now totally recovered and there is no longer any sign of flat feet. My posture has also improved thanks to the iguanos. leguano: What is different in leguanos than in "conventional sports shoes"? Engelbert Müller: I have a completely different feeling on the ground in iguanos. I notice every surface and my foot muscles can adjust to it. If I twist my ankle with a normal sports shoe, injuries can easily occur because the stiff edge then presses on the foot, which is completely different with the iguanos. The soft edge gives way more easily and there are fewer injuries. leguano: Do you also wear the leguanos “outside” of sporting activities? Engelbert Mueller:In the beginning, I never wore the iguanos for sports, only when I walked my dog and when I went shopping. I had special sports shoes for the tartan track, for running on asphalt and for forest and meadow paths. I always wore the sports shoes with insoles and often had problems with my calf muscles. In 2017, a physiotherapist recommended that I leave out the insoles in my shoes. That was the beginning of the sporting use of the Leguano shoes. My thought was that if I leave out the insoles, then I can also try to walk in barefoot shoes. At first I trained on the track to get used to the shoes when doing sports. After everything went well, I then ran the competitions and training runs with the iguanos. leguano: Many leguano wearers report that they have noticed positive health effects through and with the barefoot shoes. Is it the same for you (for example, do you run faster, easier, less problems with your knees, hips, back, etc.)? Engelbert Müller: I can't say that I run faster with barefoot shoes. As you get older, you always slow down a bit. Since there are no competitions now, I can only participate in virtual runs and since I always run alone, it is difficult to judge how fast I could run in a real competition. In any case, I run easier and if I ever have problems with my knees or hips, it goes away very quickly when I run. leguano: What is your motivation? Engelbert Müller: My motivation is mainly to do something for my health and to keep myself mobile even in old age. Also measuring myself against others in athletic competitions in running competitions. leguano: Where do you get your energy from? What makes you so persistent? Engelbert Müller: Endurance comes from years of training. I get my energy from my morning gymnastics and relaxation training and from a positive and healthy lifestyle and diet. leguano: Would you recommend leguanos for your sport or in general? Engelbert Müller: I can highly recommend the leguanos in general and for sport. You should just dare to try out the barefoot shoes. leguano: Finish the sentence: They wear leguanos because …. Engelbert Müller: ….I only wear iguanos anymore because they are not only good for my feet, but also for my health.
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Lawyer and athlete Katharina, 32 years old, loves her Leguano’s more than anything. We accompanied her through her first pregnancy. While not only her body, her sense of smell and taste changed during her pregnancy, she also “got over the insatiable need to just walk barefoot”. leguano : How did you get into running barefoot? Even before your pregnancy? KK: Before my pregnancy, I sporadically wore Leguano’s in my spare time. I found them comfortable and, for example, I liked to combine my leguano chester with a chic dress and dark leggings. That always looked good. Naturally, my body changed quite a bit during pregnancy. From the 3rd month it felt like a strange feeling to wear sturdy shoes on your feet. I was overcome by the insatiable need to only carry Leguano’s. I became almost addicted to walking through the forest in leguanos and enjoying the harmony with nature. It was like a primal feeling that suddenly broke out of me…. leguano: Are there any special advantages of leguanos during pregnancy? What are your experiences? KK: I felt a significant relief for my pelvis and my movements. As a happy, healthy human child, I had no discomfort or pain when walking before. But it was just like my inner voice was telling me "put on those barefoot shoes". I felt much more connected to nature, much more grounded and simply better embedded in the “environment” work of art. leguano: From this I hear a closeness to nature, the loving treatment of oneself, awareness, attention, mindfulness ... KK: Yes. I think that as a pregnant woman you listen to your gut feeling much better. The sensory perceptions become stronger so that one becomes clearly aware of what is good for one. You treat yourself more lovingly and more carefully. I think nature arranged this to protect the unborn life that one carries under one's heart. And leguanos were simply the means of choice to give me a beautiful pregnancy with every step. My friend Gina always says: If the mother is fine, the child in her tummy is also fine. And I was fine thanks to leguanos. I sometimes walked 8-10 km a day in the second and third trimesters. I couldn't have done that so easily in bad shoes. leguano: Did you also do sports during pregnancy? KK: Yeah of course. Of course, I only listened to my body. At the beginning of pregnancy, when you feel tired and are fighting against nausea, after 15 minutes on the stepper I had already satisfied my daily need for exercise because my body needed rest. In the second trimester, when you're as strong as a lioness, I could move for hours. And of course I then actively wore my sun-yellow leguano to the gym. Depending on my gut feeling, I did endurance sports or weight training (with significantly less weights) and always made sure that my son was doing well. I have to admit that I used to do 1.5 hours of sport at least 4-5 times a week. So it was completely normal that I had a strong need for exercise even during pregnancy. leguano: What are the biggest advantages of leguanos compared to conventional (sports) shoes? KK: You have a better, more natural grip and no foreign body sensation on your foot. If you specifically train your core muscles or your sense of balance with certain exercises, you can often leave your shoes on because you are practically barefoot in the leguanos, just with a little more protection for the soles of your feet. It is a good feeling. Once you've tasted blood, you don't wear anything else. leguano: You listen to your stomach in two ways. Can you tell pregnant women something from your experiences? KK: I think that every pregnant woman is different and has different needs in each moment. One of them urgently needs rest and sleep, the next one has a craving for meat, the third one doesn't want to sit still and go for a walk through nature all the time. I believe that one should primarily listen to oneself. Nature takes over and shows you the right way. leguano: How do you experience the barefoot feeling yourself? Has that changed anything for you? KK: Walking barefoot makes you more grounded and more or less merges with the ground. It's just a wonderful feeling that makes you feel happy. I also noticed in my circle of friends that leguano carriers are already doing more for their health and inner balance anyway. The Leguano’s are another way for you to live in harmony with nature and also on your feet without foreign objects. leguano : leguanos give you support and stability on your feet. What gives you a hold in life? KK: My family, my friends and my sport. I am incredibly grateful that I had such an ideal childhood and such a great home. So I'm all the more happy to soon be doing the wonderful things with my own child that I loved in my childhood: catching the first rays of sunshine in spring, going swimming in summer, making chestnut men in autumn and baking cookies for Christmas ... leguano: Will you dress your children with leguanos too? KK: Yes of course. I want my child to have as healthy a childhood as I do and to be as good as me. Therefore: a lot of motherly love for his heart, leguanitos for his feet. This strengthens his ankle, trains the foot muscles and protects against foot misalignments . leguano: Which leguano is your favorite shoe right now? KK: I love the leguano style flamingo. The hold is optimal, you can combine it with almost any dress and this fresh orange border ensures that you are in a good mood when you put it on. If it has to be a bit more subtle, I wear the leguano style rose. It has the same excellent hold, but goes better with dark clothes. leguano: Finish the sentence: I wear leguano barefoot shoes… KK: … because life is too short for bad shoes. If I can be so happy with so little effort, why should I choose something else? That would be like not eating a chocolate cake anymore, although with every bite you can get a little closer to heaven.
 It’s far from Yoga I was reared!
by Rhea Peel Work outs in my house were the chores, walking to the supermarkets (and walking back laden down with a weeks’ worth of shopping), playing outdoors, the odd time going with your mam to that weird aerobics class in the church hall, or attempting to follow her Jane Fonda cassette tape… yes… cassette tape, not even a video! Yoga was not a word I would have heard growing up, and certainly didn’t seem to feature in the society around me. It seemed to me that yoga exploded into existence some time in my teens. Now, I know that it has existed for thousands of years, but not in my little world. Even when it did start edging into the corners of the society I grew up in, it was regarded with a great degree of scepticism and a nice helping of ridicule! It was something that was just for bendy, wealthy, ‘yummy mummy’s with too much time on their hands - (also, side note, I’m a mother now and there is no such thing as a mother with too much time on their hands, there could never be enough!) - or those with hippie notions that just came back from their gap year in India with baggy pants, and a new religion. I’ve since learned that yoga was first popularised in the west as early as the 1920s, and 30s, with yoga gurus and their disciples bringing the knowledge with them as they emigrated to the US, and Europe – however, it was still a small niche, nothing like the booming trend we see today. Through my teens, and early 20s I engaged in no formal exercise, people that formally worked out, went to classes, or certainly, did YOGA, were a different breed from me… surely? It was then recommended to me as part of my recovery programme for mental health, and it had a lot of coverage in popular media at the time. Celebs were shooting off to Ashrams left right and centre, and yoga studios were popping up in places where they would have been laughed out of town previously. I still felt that it just wasn’t for me. It’s funny how we’re brought up with certain ideas about what is ‘for us’ and what isn’t. The truth is you can try anything, well you know, within reason and legality, and if you like it – hooray, it is for you! I read a bit about it, looked at a few DVDs and instructions, and just huffed and puffed… and pushed it away. Just LOOK at those people, they look like ballerinas, and contortionists! Their bodies bend like pipe cleaners, and they don’t even break a sweat, no, no, that’s NOT ME. The rise of YouTube was a phenomenal help in my personal journey with Yoga - doesn’t that even seem like such a notion ridden thing to say - (hello internalised judgements) - but there it is. YouTube is brilliant, you can now find any number of people – all different shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and of different levels of abilities, engaging in yoga, and instructing. My personal favourite is Yoga with Adriene, I find her tutorials easy to follow, and she always offers alternative movements for different levels of mobility. I also love Jessamyn Stanley – she has absolutely smashed the stereotypes around what kind of ‘body’ you need for yoga. Then there is Dean Pohlman over at Man Flow Yoga – an impressive athlete and yoga instructor, and the fabulous Ben Clark at Adapt to Perform, proving that a wheelchair is no barrier to enjoying yoga; Age is also no excuse, which was beautifully shown by the late Tao Porchon – Lynch, who was still teaching classes aged 98! It’s so accessible, with such a variety of teachers, and types of yoga practice to choose from, and we have an absolute wealth of information on its benefits. Yoga can help improve: posture, joint pain, balance, heart health, mental health, sleep, muscle strength, and self-esteem – just to name a few! It is incredibly useful in the treatment of high stress levels, trauma, and anxiety. The powerful impact that a yoga practice can have on individuals has been recognised widely at this stage, and we see it being employed at so many levels of society. It has been used in education, as therapy for those with additional needs, in prisons, even by NASA, and the US military, the list goes on. And me, personally? I love it. It is such a relaxing contrast to the HIT workouts, or aerobics classes – although yoga can be intense too, whatever your preference – I find it gives me space in my mind, and I feel, tangibly, the space it creates in my body. It is also so encouraging to see improvement, you’ll do a pose one way, and maybe get frustrated that you can’t go further, only to find that as time goes by – doing nothing more than carrying on, breathing deep, and following the instructions – suddenly, you can! I remember my friend showing me her ‘crow pose’ a few years ago. My immediate reaction, again, was ‘no, no, not for me – I’ll never be able to do that’ – it looked impossible! Yet, a year or so later, and at the time improving by also attending physical yoga classes in my locality (how’ya mammy, too much time on your hands?) – I did it. No, it wasn’t perfect, it may not have looked impressive, but I did it, and it was good enough for me. I also have to give a big thumbs up to doing yoga outdoors, there is a totally different energy, and life to it – if you can find a peaceful spot outside, even just the back garden – or on the beach, or in a forest if you’re feeling adventurous (and if lockdown ever ends, yawn!). Trust me, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I also highly recommend the Leguano shoes as an option for outdoor practice – Yoga for me is a barefoot activity, it’s the best way to enjoy it and feel the feedback from your body – but if you are an outdoors yoga enthusiast, these are the perfect fit. You get almost the same feedback as being totally barefoot, and 100% of the same mobility, whilst protecting your precious feet from the elements, and no need to cart your yoga mat with you! Speaking of equipment, for Yoga you need very little! All I have is a simple mat, two blocks, and a strap. I would always recommend investing in a good mat – as this helps protect your knees, hips and other areas when practising indoors, on hard floors. Also, the blocks, and straps, are quite cheap to pick up, and will last years! I thought Yoga was, well, just a notion! My mind has been permanently changed, and if this inspires even one person to get on the mat, I’ll be delighted. Trust me, you will not be disappointed, just find the practice, and the instructor, that works for you. |
Archives
January 2023
CategoriesAktiv black
€99.00 - €139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Aktiv Yellow
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktivs – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv White
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Aktiv – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Gift Voucher
€20.00 - €200.00
Surprise someone special with a Gift Voucher! Gift Vouchers are delivered to the recipient by email and include instructions on how to redeem them at checkout. Our Gift Vouchers have no additional processing fees and never expire.
Aktiv Pink
€139.99
Introducing the sporty Actives – A true necessity for the dedicated barefooter! This latest style has the same classic qualities with a few added features; First, they have a slightly thicker sole making them ideal for walking and hiking longer distances. Second, they have a stylish lace-up look. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. They are also quickly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters because of their anti-slip and non-marking sole. If you are craving the feeling of being barefoot but prefer the look of a tie-up shoe, then this is the style for you!! Whether you’re dressing them up or wearing them casually, the Active style is a go-to for any occasion! Aktiv Winter - Black
€149.99
Equipped with a microfibre lining for that extra warm and ultra-comfortable feeling, the Aktiv black Winter will add warmth and a cosy feeling to those cooler times. They are truly a multi-purpose shoe that can be worn for an infinite amount of activities, especially barefoot running/training, outdoor adventure, and travel. And depending on the weather and your own personal preference, the Aktiv black Winter can be worn with or without socks. Aktiv lava black
€139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Wash Bag
€9.95
The leguano laundry net bag protects your leguano's when washing and rinsing. Easy handling thanks to the practical zip. The large-mesh network is permeable to water and mild detergents. Aktiv Green Sole
€99.00 - €139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Aktiv anthracit, blue sole
€139.99
Set yourself up for success with the sporty Aktiv. leguano’s most popular model has all the classic qualities of the traditional barefoot shoe with a few added features. Enjoying a slightly thicker sole and complete with a lace-up finish, these multi-purpose shoes are simply ideal for walking, hiking, running or springing into your lunch break with agility. What’s more, possessing a bespoke anti-slip and non-marking sole these gems are rapidly becoming the shoe of choice for boaters setting their sights on the high seas. So if you’re looking for a quality barefoot experience, with the traditional look of a tie-up shoe, all you have to do is strap yourself in for the ride! Please note that the Aktiv is a unisex model. Aktiv Plus - Black
€159.00
The leguano aktiv plus in lava black: Our all-rounder high-cut model. The leguano aktiv plus offers plenty of freedom to the feet, is ultra comfortable and wearable all year round. The upper part of the fabric provides airy comfort, the leguano-typical sole allows a feather-light feeling on any terrain. The leguano aktiv plus is just as suitable for leisure and outdoor activities as it is for various indoor sports. Aktiv Alasco
€179.00
This Aktiv Alasco boot offers plenty of foot room, is ultra-comfortable and is our lined model from the Aktiv range for the cool season. The leguano-typical sole allows you to walk as light as a feather on any terrain - like barefoot. Material composition:
Upper material: 100 % polyester (mesh) Inner material: 100 % wool Sole: LIFOLIT® |
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