You’ve probably heard it said that if you’re going to do Pilates, you should take your socks off. It may seem counterintuitive, but is there any truth to it? After all, Pilates is a form of exercise, and going barefoot might seem like it’s inviting germs or even injury.
You should take your socks off for Pilates if you wear ordinary socks, as they can restrict your movement and cause you to slip. But if you are wearing grip socks, you can keep them on. You can do Pilates barefoot or with grip socks, which can provide more stability.
Grip socks can provide a better grip on the mat and help you avoid slips. They also prevent dirt, sweat, or germs from coming into contact with your feet. In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss whether you should work out barefoot or with grip socks and the benefits of both for Pilates.
Pilates With Grip Socks vs. Barefoot: What’s Better?
While some Pilates instructors are fine with students wearing grip socks, others advocate for performing barefoot to engage the body and muscles better. The idea is that your feet can feel and establish a connection with the ground to improve balance and stability.
However, grip socks provide traction, which can be helpful for some Pilates moves and prevent you from slipping or injuring yourself.
Here are a few things to consider when wearing grip socks or going barefoot for Pilates.
1. Type of Floor Surface
If your studio has an extra slippery floor, consider wearing grip socks. These will help prevent slipping and sliding as you move through the exercises. Grip socks also help if you don’t have a mat. Also see Can I do Pilates without a mat?
However, if the floor is less slippery or you have a mat to work on, you can forgo the grip socks.
2. The Positioning of Your Feet
Grip socks are designed to give you better traction on the mat. They can be helpful if you tend to move around a lot or if you’re doing exercises that require your feet to be in different positions. Grip socks can also prevent slipping and sliding when transitioning from one position to the next.
If you’re not confident in your ability to switch positions without slipping, you can invest in grip socks to help you keep your balance.
3. The Style of Pilates
Different styles of Pilates require slightly different approaches to footwear. For instance, Classical Pilates may be better with bare feet, while Contemporary Pilates might require grip socks to help you transition from one exercise to the next. Ask your instructor which style they prefer before deciding what type of footwear to wear.
4. Comfort Level
At the end of the day, comfort should be your main priority when deciding what type of footwear to wear for Pilates. If you’re more comfortable wearing socks, go for it! If not, then don’t feel pressured to put them on. Ultimately, you know what’s best for your body, so trust your instincts and choose the right option.
5. Hygiene
Going barefoot has a slight risk of catching fungi or bacteria from the floor. Pilates classes are often held in a shared space. To reduce the risk of infection, clean your feet and nails before each session.
It is a good idea to bring your socks to class and wear them while exercising. They’ll keep you and your classmates safe from any potential illness. Going barefoot or wearing grip socks are both acceptable for Pilates.
Which Is Better, Grip Socks or Barefoot?
Although many recommend grip socks, as they help provide traction and stability, some Pilates instructors prefer that you go barefoot. So, before you hit the mat for your next Pilates class, check with your instructor about what type of footwear they prefer.
Of course there are some situations where you can benefit from a normal sock on a slippy floor, give this routine a try and you’ll see what I mean!
Benefits of Wearing Grip Socks for Pilates
Although going barefoot for Pilates has benefits, some people may prefer wearing grip socks. Here are some things to consider.
- Grip socks provide cushioning and shock absorption. Grip socks are designed to provide comfort and support to your feet as you move through different Pilates exercises. The extra cushioning and shock absorption can minimize the risk of injuries during your workout.
- Grip socks provide extra grip and stability. The extra grip provided by these socks can help you stay balanced while performing Pilates exercises. This can be especially beneficial for those new to Pilates and still learning the technique.
- Grip socks have extra protection against germs and bacteria. You can protect your feet from germs and bacteria lurking on the studio floor by wearing grip socks.
- Grip socks come in a variety of colors and styles. Grip socks come in various colors, from bright neons to muted pastels. Thus, you can find the perfect style to match your workout wardrobe.
Benefits of Going Barefoot for Pilates
While grip socks are great for beginners and slippery floors, going barefoot for Pilates also has a few benefits that you should consider.
- It increases your stability and balance. Going barefoot allows you to control your body better as you move through the different exercises and poses in Pilates. Without shoes, your feet can connect with the floor and sense subtle changes in grip and weight distribution.
- Working out barefoot improves your proprioception. Proprioception is the ability to sense and understand the position of your body in space. Going barefoot can help you increase your awareness of the position of your body in relation to its environment. This awareness can help you perform Pilates exercises and better understand the form and technique required for each move.
- Working out barefoot increases your foot’s range of motion. Going barefoot can help stretch and move the small muscles and tendons in your feet, improving their flexibility and range of motion. This can be beneficial for activities like running and jumping and can even help improve your posture.
- Working out barefoot reduces the risk of injury. Wearing socks or shoes with poor support can cause problems like blisters and Achilles tendonitis. Going barefoot in Pilates can help you avoid this and reduce the risk of developing injuries.
- It can be more comfortable. Many people find it more comfortable to go without shoes or socks during their Pilates workout. It helps provide a sense of freedom and allows them to focus on their practice without worrying about their footwear.
Avoiding Common Injuries With Barefoot Pilates
You can reduce the risk of common injuries by going barefoot for Pilates. Here are things to keep in mind.
- Warm up and cool down. Before each Pilates session, dedicate some time for warm-ups and stretching. This will help your body prepare for the workout and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Listen to your body’s signals. If something doesn’t feel right, stop and take a break. Don’t push yourself too hard because this could lead to injury.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Ensure to wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict your movement. Baggy clothes can get in the way and make it harder for you to perform the exercises.
- Incorporate proper form and technique. Use the correct form and technique when performing each move. Using proper technique will help you get the most out of your Pilates workout and reduce the risk of injury.
- Take your time. Don’t rush through the exercises. Take your time and focus on perfecting each posture for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
Grip socks or going barefoot can both be beneficial for Pilates workouts. Ultimately, the decision of which one to choose is up to you. Either way, ensure to take the necessary precautions to avoid injuries.
Grip socks are better for beginners who need the extra support while transitioning from one position to another. However, barefoot Pilates might be better for more experienced people who want to fully understand how their body works.
