Wondering why you’re always expected to do yoga barefoot? Here’s why!

If you’ve ever been to a yoga class – or even watched a DVD – you’ve probably noticed that you are always asked to take off your shoes. You might have assumed this is just some “new-agey” thing about getting in touch with the earth or something like that, but in fact, there are a number of very good reasons to do yoga barefoot!

Here are 3 reasons from Yoga.com why doing yoga barefoot is a good idea:

1.) It strengthens your feet.

When you practice barefoot, you engage the smallest muscles in your feet which are inactive when you are wearing shoes…

2.) It helps you do the poses the right way

…It’s a lot easier to balance when your feet are in direct contact with the surface you’re standing on.
Also, some poses require you to grab your toe. This won’t be easy if your feet are covered with socks or shoes.

3.) It massages your feet

When your bare feet touch the surface, it stimulates the nerve endings in the soles of your feet. These nerve endings send signals to your brain making it possible for the body to figure our proper balance and joint position.  As a result, you feel more grounded.
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Source: Yoga.com