Excerpt from “Get Fit to Go: Motivation to Exercise and Get Healthy” Laura O’Reilly RN, 2010, Unlimited Publishing
Strong biceps, defined triceps and six-pack abs are obvious targets of a strength routine. Apart from the occasional pedicure or foot massage, it seems that we do not give thought to our feet until we experience a broken toe, heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
Imagine hands too weak too lift weights. Exercises to improve grip strength would be added to a training regimen. But what about the feet? We rely on good shoes for proper support and shock absorption, but pay very little attention to strengthening foot muscles.
Composed of many bones, tendons and ligaments, our feet are the foundation of our body. The foundation of a building is stable to support its structure. Strong, healthy feet provide balance and support to the legs and the rest of our body. Mobile and flexible, our
feet support us, propel us and sustain our body weight. If the feet are weak or collapsed, this will reflect in the alignment of the body, and your functional and athletic performance.
Simple exercises for the feet may help prevent fallen arches, weak feet and ankles, and other foot problems.
Here are some examples of easy ways to work your feet: Take your shoes and socks off and wiggle the toes; Go for walks in the sand on the beach; Sit on a chair and point and flex the feet, and make circles with your ankles- first clockwise, then counterclockwise.
Put your best foot forward and work out those tootsies. Build a strong body from head to toe for balance and improved performance.
Laura O’Reilly-Stanzilis RN MSM is a Registered Nurse and Certified Fitness Instructor. She is the Executive Director of the North Jersey Health Collaborative and the owner of FTG Wellness Consulting. She can be reached at laura@ftgwellness.com/“Get Fit To Go” by Laura O’Reilly, R.N. (fittogohealthandfitness.com)