Victoria Beckham is known for her love of heels, apparently even wearing them while working out. But now, a personal trainer is issuing a warning about “heelmastering.”
In a video shared on her Instagram Story, Victoria is seen working out in heels while her husband, David Beckham, says, “Darling, I know it’s Fashion Week, but don’t you think you’re taking this a bit too far?”
The comment section quickly filled with fan reactions.
“Of course Victoria Beckham works out on a treadmill in four-inch heels,” one person commented, according to Tyla.
“That’s one way to get your exercise in. Though I can barely walk in those types of heels, let alone at the gym!,” another one added.
A third one wrote: “If Victoria Beckham couldn’t get any better! #satin blouse and #leather skirt on step machine,” while a fourth person continued: “LOL Actually this makes perfect sense! Those heels must be killer to walk in, so why not get some practice on a treadmill?”
“Heelmastering” can have consequences
But while some people were impressed by Victoria’s unusual workout attire, Jessica Dubash, a qualified personal trainer and Team Leader at Net World Sports, warned against exercising in high heels.
“I definitely wouldn’t recommend walking on a treadmill or stair climber in high heels,” according to Tyla.
“Heels can look great, boost confidence and completely elevate an outfit, but they’re designed for fashion, not exercise. Even a relatively small heel changes the position of the foot and alters the way the lower body moves.
“When you wear high heels, the heel is elevated, and more of your body weight is shifted towards the front of the foot. This changes your natural walking pattern and can affect how force is distributed through the feet, ankles, and knees.”
“The higher the heel, the more challenging it can also become to maintain balance, while pressure through the forefoot increases.”
She also added: “It’s also important to remember that just because walking in heels feels more difficult, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a better workout. Making an exercise harder isn’t automatically beneficial if that extra difficulty comes from reduced stability and altered movement mechanics.”
“I’d be particularly cautious when it comes to treadmills and stair climbers. You’re combining an elevated, less stable shoe with a moving piece of equipment, which leaves far less room for error.”
“Becomes even greater with a four-inch heel”
She urged: “One misplaced step, a slipping heel or a momentary loss of balance could result in a fall, ankle sprain or other injury. That risk becomes even greater with a four-inch heel.
“Regular high-heel wear has also been associated with changes in calf and Achilles tendon function, increased pressure through the forefoot and changes in knee mechanics. That doesn’t mean wearing your favourite heels for a night out will automatically cause an injury, but deliberately wearing them for repetitive exercise introduces unnecessary risk when there are much safer and more effective alternatives.”
While Victoria’s four-inch heels may have turned heads and given fans plenty to talk about, the unusual workout also comes with a serious reminder: heels may be made for making a statement, but according to the trainer, they were never designed to make a workout safer or more effective.
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