Our feet are our constant companions, taking us where we need to go and often crammed into shoes of various levels of discomfort. It’s time to show these faithful helpers some love! In the rest of this article, we’ll share a quick workout that you could do daily or just whenever your feet need some extra attention.
The feet are often ignored in workout plans, but strengthening them is just as important as the rest of your body. They assist with balance, help ensure the correct alignment of your legs, and can even help alleviate leg joint and back pain. Plus, working them out feels really good! Here is a mini foot workout you can try:
- Calf Raises With Tennis Ball
- Point And Flex
- Towel Curls
- Toe Raises
In the rest of this article, we’ll walk you (no pun intended!) through each exercise so you can do each one for maximum effectiveness. So, slip off your shoes and let’s get started!
Foot Strengthening Mini Workout
Calf Raises With Tennis Ball
Place a tennis ball between your ankle bones and stand up straight with all ten toes pointing directly forward. Squeeze the ball firmly enough to prevent it from falling out. Now, raise your heels and lower them slowly and with control. Keep the ball between your ankles the entire time. Do 10 to 15 reps.
Point And Flex
Start lying on your back, your feet planted on the floor and your knees pointed toward the ceiling. Raise your right foot toward the ceiling, flex it, and keep a slight bend in your knee. Now, curl your toes in, then spread them wide. Point your foot, pressing through the ball all the way to the toes, then flex it by peeling back your toes, then the ball of the foot, and finally flexing again at the ankle.
Repeat this process four more times on the right, then switch feet. You can also do this exercise while seated. Simply extend your leg, rest it on another chair, and do the exercise.
Towel Curls
Take a hand towel and place it on the ground in front of you, then sit up straight at the edge of a chair, both feet flat on the floor. Fan your toes wide, then use them to grip the towel. Slowly scrunch the towel in your toes to bring it closer. Try to move the entire towel.
Toe Raises
Sit up straight at the edge of a chair, both feet planted firmly on the ground. Now, raise all ten toes together, keeping the balls of your feet on the ground. Repeat this four more times. Next, raise your big toes together, then your second toes, and so on through all your toes. Do your best to move them independently of one another. At first, you might need to hold the other toes still so each can move on its own.
This foot workout feels great after a long day on your feet. Plus, if you do it several times each week, you may notice some significant changes in the strength and pain levels of your feet and legs.
