Back problems are something that is really common among us. The main reason for that is because we are standing in wrong positions and are walking on mute and hard surfaces. If we would walk on more varied ground, we would have better backs, because the body would have been able to build up support for the body's movements. Nowadays we are walking on the same kind of surface all the time, and that leaves the body to stagnate in its usage of muscles. This is what Muller discovered when he studied the Masai people, famous for their upright posture and strong backs, even though they walk for long distances every day. The secret is that they are doing this barefoot, and in a variation of environments, in the mountains, on sand, rocks, grass, etc.

Muller decided to create a shoe to imitate this, a shoe that would have those variations built in them. After some experimentation he managed to do this, and the Masai shoe was born. They have become a common rehabilitation device among physicians and physiotherapists, who use them to cure back pain and rebuild damaged muscles on athletes. One of the main benefits to prevent back pain with these is the improvement of posture. You automatically get a more upright walk when using these, because the shoes correct the posture for you automatically. You have no other choice than to walk in a "body friendly" manner. If you have suffered from back and neck pain for long, it's important to get used to the shoes bit by bit. It can take a while for your back to adjust itself to this new way of moving. But once you get the hang of it, you will notice a lot of improvement in a short amount of time. And you will get rid of that constant pain. If you have a job that makes you stand and walk all day, I can also recommend these shoes. Many people using them claims that they are not at all as exhausted after a days work anymore. This is because the shoe provides support for your back.

Want to know more about Masai shoes and the benefits of walking, or even sign up for a free email course on fitness walking? www.mbtshoes.efven.com and find out more. Beatrice Stephenson is a freelance writer on health and sports issues.