why barefoot?

Over the past three decades, fitness shoe manufacturers have developed advanced technology to cushion and control motion in our feet and ankles. This advanced support does not allow articulation of our joints and soft tissue. We've lost flexibility and mobility and our feet have become stiff and weak over- supporting them.  We’ve disconnected with our feet!

The willPower Method programs have been barefoot in gyms since 2000. We know how to teach students to stretch their toes, and increase circulation and mobility throughout their feet and ankles. We train our clients of all ages  to land on their feet gracefully; reducing pain and injuries in their feet, ankels and knees. It just makes good sense. Soon, you will find increasingly more programs are kicking off their shoes and going barefoot. In fact, we have recently partnered with Vibram FiveFingers®, the leaders in minimalist shoes, to help minimalist shoe-wearers to have safer and more efficient experiences when they are wearing a non-support shoe. Stacey Lei Krauss, the creator of The willPower Method, has so much experience with foot fitness, that she has recently joined Vibram's Advisory Board.

We don't suggest that you buy a barefoot shoe today and begin running today. We DO suggest that you stregthen your feet and ankles - essentially wake them up - since they have been bound, cushioned and supported for so long.  We do suggest wearing a minimal shoe like Vibram FF and allowing your body to progressively adjust. You will need to be aware  and feel your feet and lower legs awaken. Once you wake up your feet, your body will be more functional for everyday life in a barefoot-type shoe... and you can even start barefoot running, if you'd like. Do you want more supportive science?  Check out what barefoot expert, Dr. Daniel Lieberman (Harvard University) has published.

sole training®

A healthy, aligned and balanced body begins in your feet, and will translate through your entire kinetic chain (ankle, knee, hip, lower back).

Sole Training® is based on a series of exercises which you can do anywhere, anytime. Learn to align your feet to enhance your posture and prevent and correct injuries. Explore reflexology methods, and increase circulation. Strengthen and stretch all ten toes, and develop flexible strength in your feet and ankles.  Over time you will enjoy improved balance in daily activities and workouts, a stronger walking/ running stride, and significant reductions of foot, leg and lower back pain.

who should be sole training®?

You.

Let's get you out of those uncomfortable orthotics, and stop those painful cortisone injections! Are you dealing with an old injury or plantar faciitis? You should re-hab once and for all. Are you finding that your balance skills are not what they used to be? The Sole Training® method is perfect for you. Athletes: this is an opportunity to build your competitive edge. Sole Training® is especially wise for young athletes who are interested in developing a strong foundation of good habits which will last a lifetime.

learn through video!

This 20-minute video will guide you through two sequences.  The first sequence is a simple restorative self-massage sequence which will help alleviate foot pain, and a perfect  5-minute preparation for a walk, run, or a yoga class. It's the SMARTEST 5-minute solution to plantar faciitis pain in the morning. The second sequence is a standing series which promotes strength, flexibilty and kinesthetic awarenes - which is a brilliant approach for board-sport athletes, runners, yogis and pilates students.

more foot fitness resources

Begin your Foot Fitness program by simply slipping into a pair  Vibram FiveFingers. Wake your feet up; building strength and flexibility every time you take a step. Wearing a natural movement shoe will require the muscles in your feet and ankles to stop resting - and start working. You'll need to be patient, and aware. Think: baby steps.

willPower & grace® classes can be found across the US, in London and Sweden.  This smart full-body workout is a perfect cross-training tool for any athlete or fitness enthusiast. The workout DVD is available on this site.

  Listen to words of wisdom from Harvard's Barefoot Professor. (In 6 minutes, he might change your mind about those structured running shoes in your closet). 

Check out The Barefoot Book, by Dr. Daniel Howell of Liberty University.  This easy read will open your eyes... to your feet.

Of course, be sure to read Born To Run.  Although we've been training barefoot for over a decade, author Chris MacDougall was the man who brought barefoot training into mainstream media - by telling us of the joy of running through the eyes of tribal civilization.