By Cindy Peterson
The Barefoot Ninja Believes Life’s Just Better Without Shoes
Langdon Dinsdale (AKA The Barefoot Ninja)
Becoming the Barefoot Ninja: I took my kids to a Ninja Warrior class and ended up competing myself. I placed in a local event, then regionals, then the world championships—all on a whim. I later applied and got selected for American Ninja Warrior, where they called me “The Barefoot Ninja.” I was the first to run the course barefoot.
Why barefoot?: Shoes often limit the natural movement of your feet so walking barefoot engages the bones, joints, muscles and ligaments, strengthens feet, improves balance, posture and proprioception and reduces injury risk. It also enhances sensory awareness and even mood through “grounding.”
My greatest accomplishments: My wife Kristin and our four kids are my whole world, but other than them, I’d say my education, certifications, competing in the American Ninja Warrior World Championships and helping pro athletes achieve success.
On American Ninja Warrior: Filming was intense—overnight shoots, cold temps, no idea what obstacles we’d face. In Hollywood, the temperature was about 45° so I was freezing cold while running. I stayed calm and enjoyed the experience. It was one of the ‘funnest’ things I’ve done.
My day job: I opened Soma Health & Performance in 2015 to help people heal from chronic pain using a holistic, assessment-based approach. We treat people of all ages, including elite athletes.
Life goals: Most of my goals—family, business, world competition and reality TV—have already happened. Now I want to keep helping people, see my kids grow, travel and maybe do an Ironman.
I love: Helping people is what gets me out of bed in the morning. It is my true passion, and I have spent over two decades earning the knowledge and skills to be able to help people who really need it.
A mantra I live by: “Panta Rei” by the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. It translates to “Everything Flows,” reflecting the idea that change is the fundamental essence of the universe. It basically means that everything is constantly changing, like a river where the water is always flowing.
Fun facts: I’m a type 1 diabetic, competitive basketball player and Olympic physio. We ‘unschool’ our kids (an educational philosophy that emphasizes child led learning rather than structured schooling), live a holistic lifestyle and my happy place is adventuring with my family.
My legacy: To help people live pain-free healthier lives. If I help even one person stop suffering, it’s all been worth it.
Photos: Cindy Peterson
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Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
