# Why Mya Runs On a Treadmill In Heels
Singer Mya, 46, shared her unconventional fitness approach with Women's Health in their "Strong Like" video series. The R&B artist runs on a treadmill while wearing heels, a choice that reflects her commitment to staying active while maintaining her personal style.
Mya's approach challenges the typical gym aesthetic. Most fitness experts recommend supportive athletic footwear for treadmill workouts to reduce injury risk and improve biomechanics. Running in heels increases stress on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, shifts body alignment forward, and can lead to ankle strain. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society generally advises against this practice for regular exercise routines.
That said, Mya's openness about her fitness habits highlights an important parenting lesson. When kids see adults prioritizing exercise in whatever way works for them, it models the value of consistent movement. Parents don't need a gym membership or perfect workout clothes to stay active. Modeling that you exercise because it feels good, not because you're following strict rules, teaches children that fitness is personal and flexible.
For families building exercise routines, comfort and safety matter most. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children get 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily. Parents who exercise alongside their kids, whether in traditional gym wear or creative choices, demonstrate that staying active is simply part of life.
Mya's workout style proves that fitness doesn't have one look. If her approach inspires her to move regularly, that consistency matters more than perfect form. Parents can use similar thinking with their families. The best exercise routine is the one you'll actually stick with. Whether that's dancing in the kitchen, running in heels, or hiking in your favorite shoes, movement in