3 surprising health benefits to wear high heels, says science

Unlike popular belief, your favorite pair could strengthen your well-being.


When the time comes from a formal or just one night event in town, many of us reach a heel pair To raise our look. For some, it is a funny opportunity to dress, but for others, the idea of carrying corners or stilettos is intimidating due to concerns of discomfort or instruction. But if you are in this last camp, you may want to reconsider your shoe aversion. Several studies have revealed surprising health benefits associated with wearing high heels. Read more to find out how your pumps can improve your well-being.

In relation: 10 Best Tips to Take Heels over 65 years of doctors and experts in style .

1
They can make you a better walker.

man and women walking for exercise
Tyler Olson / Shutterstock

While we normally associate heels raised with negative health implications, a recent study contradicts previous theories. Published research in the Journal of Applied Physiology In March, noted that heels can make you a more effective walker. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

The researchers asked a small group of men and women who had rarely worn heels to wear a pair of baskets with low star Chuck Taylor who had a corner of foam attached to the sole, which gave them between 2.5 and 3 inch heel height. At the start of the study, the duration of the participants' calf muscles, as well as stiffness in their Achilles tendons were evaluated. The researchers also noted the amount of energy they exercised by walking for five minutes in the Chuck Taylor heels and the flat versions of the sneakers.

After a period of 14 weeks, the study showed surprising results: those who wore heeled sneakers regularly exercised less energy during the same walking test on carpet in heels and apartments - which means that They were more effective. Those who stopped carrying the heels at the beginning of the 14 weeks had no energy change by walking in heels or apartments.

In addition, participants who wore the heels more regularly had shorter calf muscles and more rigid Achilles tendons than at the start of the study.

As a main study author Owen N. Beck , PHD, assistant professor of Kinesiology at the University of Texas in Austin, said The Washington Post , these changes could be particularly beneficial for old people. With age, Achilles tendons often relax, which has a negative impact on rhythm of walking. The heels could potentially thwart this, stiffening the Achilles to make walking "less effective," said Beck.

In relation: 10 shoes that make you seem older .

2
They can make you a better runner.

closeup shot of runner's shoes on sidewalk
istock

The heels can also have advantages for runners. Regarding the recent study, Beck told the Wapo That he "can see a case" for athletes who put heels "instead of cros" after a race or training. (A more rigid Achilles tendon "returns more energy to each stride", which means that the heels could make runners faster and more effective, the Wapo explain.)

However, there are other factors to consider, have conceded experts - and additional research is necessary.

"The probability is that there is an optimal balance between use enough heels to see a positive effect on the economy of movements but not to use them too much than other negative effects, such as pain, more rigid tendons , balance problems, etc., begin to intervene, " Neil Cronin , PHD, sports teacher and health sciences at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, told the Wapo . Cronin led a 2012 study This has found high heels can have harmful effects, including an increased risk of strain lesions.

3
They can improve your sex life.

Young couple about to kiss.
Maryviolet / Istock

Research has also shown that high heels can have a positive effect on your sex life, but surprisingly, it is not linked to confidence.

In a 2008 letter Published in European urology ,, Maria Angela Cerruto , doctor, researcher and urologist at the Italian University of Verona, cited a poster which she presented at the European Congress of the Urology Association in Berlin. The poster data examined the effects of the ankle position on the electrical activity of the pelvic floor muscle in women suffering from urinary stress incontinence (involuntary and sudden loss of urine).

When the researchers examined this problem further, also evaluating women on the continent (those who can control their bladder) under 50 years, they found that those who held the foot at an angle of 15 degrees (almost this That a 2 -inch heel would create), showed 15 percent less electrical activity in the pelvic muscles.

As Rock Positano , DPM, founder and director of the non -surgical feet and ankle service and Joe Dimaggio Heel Pain Center Hospital for special surgery (HSS) and health columnist for New York Daily News explained, the Decrease in electrical activity said the pelvic muscles were more relaxed when women wore heels, which means that the muscles were stronger and had better ability to contract. As these muscles are directly in charge of sexual satisfaction, the decrease in electrical activity and the resulting relaxation could then lead to better sex.

"Women often have trouble doing the right exercises for the pelvic area and Heel could be the solution, "said Cerruto BBC News at the time. "Like many women, I like high heeled shoes. It is good to know that they have potential health benefits."

In relation: I am a podiatrist and I would never wear these 3 pairs of shoes .

There are drawbacks you should know.

woman rubbing her feet in heels
Dropout

While a handful of studies have focused on the potential positive points for wearing high heels, there is a lot of research on harmful effects, especially Balance problems ,, Posture stability , And Foot and pain problems . Before deciding to put a pair of stilettos at each outfit or start sports pumps with your casual business outfit, you may want to consult your health care provider or your podiatrist to see how the heels register in your lifestyle.

Best Life offers the most up -to -date information for high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


Categories:
The 10 hottest small towns in the United States to escape winter
The 10 hottest small towns in the United States to escape winter
Robert Shaw called Richard Dreyfuss "Fat and Sloppy" on the "Jaws" set
Robert Shaw called Richard Dreyfuss "Fat and Sloppy" on the "Jaws" set
Best and worst menu items in Golden Corral
Best and worst menu items in Golden Corral