Personal trainer issues warning against controversial 'heelmastering' trend after Victoria Beckham admits she does it
It’s hard to imagine the fashion icon that is Victoria Beckham not wearing heels - they’re basically a part of her at this point.
And now, it’s been revealed that the 52-year-old designer even wears them to work out, as she was recently filmed wearing four-inch stilettos on the StairMaster to prepare for Paris Fashion Week, before she showcased her latest collection in the French capital on Friday (2 October),
In a video shared to the former Spice Girl’s Instagram story, Victoria was wearing a white shirt and burgundy leather skirt, paired with the unconventional shoe choice, as she effortlessly completed her workout.
Her hubby, David Beckham, 51, who was filming, hilariously asked: “Darling, I know it's Fashion Week, but don't you think you're taking this a bit too far?”
Advert
Fans immediately became obsessed with the clip and have taken to social media to react, writing: “Of course Victoria Beckham works out on a treadmill in four-inch heels” and “That’s one way to get your exercise in. Though I can barely walk in those types of heels, let alone at the gym!”
A third penned: “If Victoria Beckham couldn’t get any better! #satin blouse and #leather skirt on step machine.”
While others have seemingly jumped on the trend, as a fourth wrote: “LOL Actually this makes perfect sense! Those heels must be killer to walk in, so why not get some practice on a treadmill?”
And a fifth suggested: “This is definitely a great way to show any runway model on how to move your hips …having to go up to display an outfit…:I think modelling classes should include these machines in their training.”
But while some people are apparently feeling inspired, before ‘heelmastering’ becomes a full-on trend, Tyla spoke with the experts, who unsurprisingly aren’t the biggest fans.
Jessica Dubash, Qualified Personal Trainer and Team Leader at Net World Sports, warned: “I definitely wouldn’t recommend walking on a treadmill or stair climber in high heels.
“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.”
While there is some additional muscular demand when walking in heels, for example, the calf muscles work differently because the ankle is held in a more raised position, this isn’t a ‘worthwhile benefit’.
Dubash advised: If your goal is to strengthen your calves or legs, exercises such as calf raises, squats, and lunges allow you to target those muscles far more effectively and progressively, without compromising your stability.
“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.”
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.”
Tyla also spoke with chiropractor Dean Blackstock, who’s a member of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA), who issued a similar warning.
He urged: “Walking on a treadmill in four-inch heels isn’t something I’d recommend. Aside from the potential damage to the treadmill, there are much safer and more practical ways to get your feet and calves used to wearing heels.
“If you’re not used to heels, start with a lower heel of around 1.5–2 inches and wear them for short periods of 20–30 minutes at a time. This will begin to activate the calf muscles while allowing the smaller muscles in the feet to gradually adapt to the different foot position.”
He advised that rather than following in the footsteps of Posh Spice and walking on a treadmill, wear heels little and often in a safe, stable environment before building up to longer periods or higher heels.
“You can also strengthen the feet and calves with simple, controlled calf raises – try 10 with your feet facing forwards, 10 turned slightly outwards, and 10 turned slightly inwards, a few times a week,” he added.
“Most importantly, don’t push through discomfort for the sake of fashion. If your heels become uncomfortable, swap into a more comfortable pair. Fashion should be fun, and injuring yourself is never a good look.”
So, as iconic as it might look, maybe leave it to VB and don’t take your stilettos to the gym…
Topics: Victoria Beckham, Celebrity, Fashion, Style, Health
Madison Burgess