Carol Kinsey Goman explains more in her article on Forbes.com

“If you see a lot of high-energy foot jiggling, or notice a slight bounce in the shoulders that results from such movement, you can almost always assume that the person is feeling pretty good about his bargaining position.” Carol also says feet say a lot about Self-Confidence- if you stand with your feet close together, you appear timid or hesitant. Who knew?!

And how about this? “If your seated opponent rocks back on his heels and raises his toes, he probably thinks he has the upper hand” (unless they’re wearing Chung Shi!)

Read Carol’s entire article here- what do your feet say about you?

Simply that Chung Shi is registered as a corrective shoe that supports the alignment of the body structure for function improvement. If you haven’t felt the Chung Shi experience, or have never even heard of them, learn all about them here or by visiting your nearest Foot Solutions!

Also try on a pair of our exclusive Chung Shi Rocker Bottom Shoes -frequently described as ‘Pilates in a Shoe’ – but the secret weapon is their health benefits. The Chung Shi absorbs the shock you place on your feet when you walk and have also been used for years as therapeutic aids for those suffering from joint pain or Arthritis.  We’ll have plenty for you to try on!

Now for the good part- the GIVEAWAYS!!

Enter to win some great gifts:
- Exclusive adjustable walking poles (color of your choice!)
- Balance Walking books to help you kick-start your exercise
- A pair of Chung Shi Rocker Bottom Shoes

*Enter to win now by sending us a tweet!
“I’m entering to win fitness gifts from @FootSolutions at #WorldFitnessDay! http://bit.ly/ccKJAQ“

Tweeting this message gives you one entry for the drawing. One twitter entry per person.  You may also enter to win by stopping by the Balance Walking booth! Winner must be an attendee of World Fitness Day and will be contacted via email, phone or twitter- good luck!

Joe Dyament, Certified Pedorthist and Owner of Foot Solutions in St. Clair Shores, Michigan gives a rundown on the history, benefits and other must-know tips before purchasing your rocker sole shoes.

Background
Rocker shoes have been around for a long, long time. As pedorthists, we use a variety of rocker soles to help people with foot problems Rocker soles can be:
* a negative heel to help unload the forefoot (like an Earth shoe)
* a double rocker to help relieve mid-foot arthritis
* a heel-to-toe rocker to help replace lost motion at the ankle (MBT) or hybrid like a negative heel/forefoot (Chung Shi) that uniquely accomplishes results for a variety of foot pathologies.

Below are three brands of rocker sole shoes (L to R): MBT, Chung Shi, and the newly introduced Skechers Shape up- but Joe warns consumers that despite what advertisers may tell you, rocker sole shoes cannot be worn by everyone.

Since the shoes mimic the experience of walking on soft, natural terrain, pressure is reduced on your back, knees and hips- but before investing in a pair of rocker sole shoes, Joe advises consumers to do their research and follow a few guidelines:

* Stability: If you have balance issues, a leg length discrepancy of ” or more or experience vertigo, it’s best to consider other options.

* Excessive Pronation: If your ankles and feet roll in a lot and you’re not wearing good orthotics you’re asking for BIG trouble. This will cause more stress on your feet, knees and hips and could complicate physiological issues.

* Heavy Lifting: If you lift heavy objects on a regular basis you need more stability not instability. The natural instability of rocker sole shoes will make work more difficult and increase your chance of injury.

* Workout shoes: These are NOT workout shoes! Rocker shoes are made to help you walk in a straight line. Any side-to-side movement should be avoided. Do not wear them for aerobics, running or weight training, for example.

Learn more about rocker sole shoes (and more) by reading Joe Dyament’s Blog.

Rocker bottom shoes are taking over the footwear industry, you’ve seen them around, Sketchers Shape Up, MBT’s, Chung Shi and Ryn..to name a few. They are flying off the shelves by folks hoping to tighten, tone and drop some weight but how do you which rocker bottom shoe is best for you? Today we’re dissecting the Chung Shi so you can learn exactly how it works. Next we’ll dissect the MBT, so stay tuned in!

Product: Chung Shi

History: ‘Ancient Wisdom Inspires New Technology’- For thousands of years, Asians spent hours farming in rice paddies. They returned home to bamboo huts with bamboo floors and walkways. Walking on the uneven surfaces created a massage-like effect and roller action to the bottom of the feet, which helped to realign the entire body after a long day of bending over. As society evolved, even today, many Asians still walk on bamboo mats to relieve foot, leg and back issues.

Learning from ancient Asian wisdom and adding modern German design and technology, the shoe for today is born. Chung Shi replaces the uneven bamboo mat with a patented sole, providing a massaging effect while walking or standing. This unique heel/toe design, combined with a center roll bar, supports the foot in a unique way that improves body alignment, stress reduction and reduces shock to the spine.

Types:
Chung Shi Comfort Step: Has a 15 degree angle at the heel and toe, creating a natural rolling motion while you walk.
Chung Shi Balance Step: Features a 20 degree angle at the heel and toe and has a higher apex at the rolling ramp. This forces muscles to work much harder than Comfort Step. It is the most aggressive alignment and muscle-use shoe available.

Features: A patented, angled sole that aligns the body and softens heel strike as you walk.  The sole directs a natural, propulsive rolling motion that promotes aligned gait.

1. Stabilizer: An ergonomically shaped, stainless steel plate, which is both stabilizing and activating.
2. Shoe is surrounded by a PU middle sole
3. The rolling ramp in the middle promotes forward drive
4. The heel is surrounded by a firm protective layer which stabilizes the entire foot.

Benefits
Health:
-Achieves better postural alignment
-Absorbs shock to the feet, knees, hips and back
-Strengthens core muscles
-Improves respiration
-Increases circulation in the feet and legs
-Reduces overuse of tendons, ligaments and muscles

Beauty:
-Increases calorie consumption compared with ‘normal’ shoes
-May improve or reduce varicose veins
-Improves the appearance of cellulite
-Improves posture and gait
-Improves respiratory and circulatory function

Fitness:
-Increases core stability
-Actives neglected muscles
-Improves athletic endurance
-Tones and strengthens feet, legs, buttocks, abs and back.
-Help prevent injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles
-Makes muscles work harder, burning more calories

Come back soon for Part 2 of Dissecting Rocker Bottom Shoes- next on our list is the MBT!

Below is a video from Dr. Jim Abney, a retired dentist who was diagnosed with MS in 1998.  Dr. Abney used an AFO brace for drop foot treatment, but began to lose muscle mass in his leg. After walkign in the Chung shi rocker bottom,  he has since built up his muscle and now walks without needing the support of an AFO brace.