The Athlete: Pey-Huey Lim
The Workout:
25 minutes as many rounds as possible of:
5 BW Deadlift @55kg
5 Pull Ups
5 Thrusters @30kg
5 KB Swings @ 24kg
5 Burpees
Results: 8 Rounds + 5,5,5
The first component of the workout was the deadlifts and this proved to be difficult and uncomfortable as the correct method of a dead lift is to drive the weight up through the heels. Upon lifting the barbell off the ground I felt it was difficult to plant my foot into the ground due to the thick soft soles of the shoes. My heels begin to hurt in the attempt to drive the weight through the heels due to the ‘spring’ like design of the soles.
The shoes had very little effect for the pull up component of the workout as pull ups itself does not require any leg or foot work except jumping to reach the bar. I stand at 5’4” and the pull up bar is a t a height of 8 feet. Therefore I have to do a lot of jumping to grab and to release the bar. The Zigtechs helped absorbed the impact of my weight and minimise the pain in my ankle (pain in ankle was from old injury).
The thrusters had similar problems as the dead lifts whereby the shoes were too absorbing, soft and unstable. At the bottom of the squat, I felt there was a slight lag into my drive upwards as there was a break in momentum because the shoes are too energy absorbing. (Thrusters video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OhqIGYqELk). The kettlebell swings also posed similar issues as the deadlifts as stability comes from planting the foot into the ground. I felt that I had to put in extra effort and work to prevent myself from falling over.
The best part of the entire workout were the burpees as the Zigtechs were most suitable for this exercise. The softness and springy-ness of the shoes allowed me to bounce and rise quickly and safely. The in-soles were thick and soft and very comfortable upon landing.
In conclusion, the Zigtechs are not designed for weightlifting or power lifting exercises as the shoes are too soft and weightlifting and power lifting requires hard and flat soles. The shoes were comfortable in general and would be more beneficial for body weight exercises.
Rating for this workout: 5/10
Pros: Soft and comfortable landing, minimise ankle injury, bouncy
Cons: Not conducive for weightlifting/power lifting, unstable soles
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