Getting Back to Basics, Functional Movement and Barefoot Living
Getting Back to Basics, Functional Movement and Barefoot Living
LUNA Sandals Collaboration Discount code (15%): MOVEMENT
In our modern world, fitness often comes packaged with high-tech equipment, structured routines, and the latest gadgets designed to maximize performance. Yet, amidst all this innovation, there is a growing movement back to simplicity—a return to the natural, functional movement patterns our bodies were designed for.
This shift isn't just about stripping away the unnecessary; it’s about reconnecting with our bodies, the earth, and a more intentional way of living. Minimalist equipment, like LUNA Sandals and Movement Made line, are at the forefront of this journey.
These products encourage natural movement, align with sustainable principles, and invite us to reimagine how we move through life—both physically and philosophically. Here’s why embracing barefoot living and functional movement can profoundly enhance your fitness and your connection to the world around you.
What Is Functional Movement?
Functional movement refers to exercises and activities that mimic real-life motions, focusing on strength, balance, and mobility. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and improve coordination, helping you move more efficiently and with less risk of injury.
For many, functional movement starts with stripping away artificial support systems that limit the body’s natural mechanics. Cushioned shoes, for instance, often interfere with the way our feet absorb impact, reducing our ability to feel the ground beneath us.
By embracing minimalist footwear, you allow your feet to function as they were intended—activating stabilizing muscles, enhancing proprioception (your body’s awareness of its position), and improving posture and gait.
The beauty of barefoot living
Barefoot living doesn’t necessarily mean walking around shoeless, but rather, choosing footwear that allows your feet to move naturally. The barefoot movement finds its roots in the study of human evolution and the biomechanics of natural movement.
Anthropologists and physiologists have long observed that traditional barefoot-running cultures—such as the Tarahumara people of Mexico—exhibit remarkable endurance and a lower incidence of foot and joint issues.
Inspired by these findings, the modern barefoot movement began gaining traction in the early 2000s, fueled by research on the benefits of minimalist footwear and the publication of books like Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. This shift has since grown into a global philosophy, emphasizing a return to primal movement patterns and reconnecting with the earth.
Benefits of Going Barefoot (or Almost)
Switching to minimalist footwear offers numerous advantages:
- Strengthened Muscles and Ligaments: Minimalist footwear forces the smaller muscles in your feet and ankles to engage, building strength and resilience. Rather than putting your foot into a mold, barefoot sandals allow you to strengthen your muscles in your feet and move naturally.
- Improved Balance and Stability: With enhanced sensory feedback, your body becomes better at adjusting to uneven surfaces, reducing the likelihood of falls or injuries.
- Better Posture: Without the artificial elevation of modern shoes, your body naturally aligns, alleviating aches and pains of restricting your foot as in modern footwear.
- Deeper Connection to Nature: Feeling the ground underfoot fosters a meditative awareness, grounding you in the present moment and enhancing your appreciation for the natural world.
- Sustainability: Both brands LUNA Sandals, and Movement made products emphasize eco-conscious materials, ensuring your journey toward natural movement is kind to the planet.
A Simpler Approach to Fitness
Incorporating functional movement and barefoot living into your daily routine doesn’t require a dramatic overhaul. It can be as simple as choosing a barefoot-style shoe for your next workout, walking on varied terrains, or integrating exercises that mimic natural movement patterns—like squats, lunges, and crawling.
Combining products like rings, or resistance bands while wearing barefoot sandals makes for a great primitive workout that reconnects you with natural ways of movement.
The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity. By moving naturally, you’re not just training your body—you’re reclaiming a connection to yourself and your environment. It’s a reminder that fitness doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective.
Editors Note (Sondre): Why I Like Working Out in Sandals
I love working out in the Leadville Trail sandal because it provides a natural and freeing barefoot feel that traditional shoes simply can’t match.
The open design keeps my feet cool and sweat-free, even during intense workouts, while the gentle breeze between my toes adds to the sense of comfort and connection to nature.
Unlike normal footwear, these sandals allow my body to move with a natural gait, helping me run and hike more efficiently.
Whether I’m on rugged terrain or cruising through trails, I stay grounded and energized without sacrificing performance.
Embrace the Journey
Transitioning to a minimalist lifestyle—whether through footwear, movement practices, or eco-friendly choices—is a journey.
Your body may need time to adapt to new demands, but the rewards are worth it: increased strength, greater awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the world around you.
So why not take that first step today? Whether you’re lacing up a pair of LUNA Sandals for a trail run, or simply heading outside to get in some resistance training with Movement Made, remember—you’re not just moving. You’re connecting, grounding, and rediscovering the beauty of the basics.
LUNA discount code (15%): MOVEMENT