The ancient peoples of Asia and Africa organized athletics competitions as far back as BC. The Olympic Games gave athletics a real boost: now it combines running, walking, jumping, throwing, all-around, running (highway running) and cross-country (off-road running).
Athletics does not require expensive or specific equipment, you can start training at any age, and there are a number of general exercises that athletes use as a warm-up and amateurs use as a basis for training. All you need to start training is comfortable shoes and a nearby yard or park. That is why athletics is not only an Olympic sport, but also one of the most popular in the world.
Benefits and dangers
Athletics exercises strengthen the immune system and give our body a great cardio workout, training the heart and blood vessels. Regular exercises develop all muscle groups and keep the body in good shape. Running, walking, and jumping will not only help you to tighten your body, but also reduce the effects of chronic stress, balance your emotional state, and improve your sleep and sex life. Athletes are more likely to “escape” from depression and old age. We’ve already talked about how running affects the brain before.
But you should not neglect the risks. Athletes may be at risk of foot injuries due to a sharp increase in the pace of training, lack of preparation and warm-up, improper footwear, and poor running technique. Foot defects, weak muscles and ligaments, hyperpronation, flat feet – all these disorders also affect balance when the musculoskeletal system is under stress.
Shoes for training and scientific achievements
Athletics requires high-quality and comfortable shoes. They protect the foot, help reduce stress, and improve athletes’ performance. Parusin shoes with rubber soles, which were used in the 18th century, were the first sports shoes, and sneakers appeared in the 20th century.
The sole of athletic shoes can consist of special granular thermoplastic, contain springs, carbon plates, and various cushions filled with gas or air bubbles. Such tricks allow for better elasticity, absorb shock, and increase inertia.
Foot support for the modern athlete
Many centuries ago, the first athletes ran barefoot on natural surfaces (grass, earth, sand). The uneven ground filled the arch of the foot, which made it very easy for it to support and repel. But there is a big difference between jogging barefoot on the plains of Africa and wearing sneakers on asphalt. In a civilized world, people move only on flat and hard artificial surfaces. Therefore, the bones, ligaments, and muscles of the feet are constantly overloaded.