Don't Jump the Gun on Fad Training

Training equipment fads come and go. A few catch on while others are eventually rediscovered, sometimes decades after falling out of favor. It's estimated that sales of new minimalist style of running shoes, recognized by the distinctive five toes, now account for 15% of the $6.5 billion athletic shoe market. A study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise suggests easing into this trend to reduce the risk of injury.

Researchers asked half a group of 36 experienced male and female runners to gradually transition from traditional shoes to minimalist running gear over a 10-week period. They only wore them for a short 1 to 2 mile run the first week, and stepped that up to 3 short runs by week 3. After that, they were allowed to wear the minimalist shoes as often as they wanted.

At the end of 10 weeks, MRIs revealed bone marrow inflammation and stress injuries that weren't present before the switch to minimalist footwear or in runners who stuck with old school shoes. Although your bones remodel to adapt to stress, when it comes too quickly and with too much impact, injuries can result. Be careful how enthusiastically you embrace new exercise techniques and equipment.