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Pilates for Your Feet
By Michael Nirenberg, DPM
I can hear the couch potatoes now: "My feet get enough exercise." Perhaps, but walking to the fridge or standing in line at McDonald's isn't exactly exercise.
Most people agree our entire body needs exercise, but few people think about keeping their feet in shape. Yet, with the average person walking over a hundred thousand miles in their lifetime, feet need all the help they can get.
Foot exercises tone, stretch and strengthen feet, while alleviating fatigue, soothing soreness and increasing blood flow. And foot exercises are great preventative medicine; by keeping feet in shape, you lessen the chance of injury. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk for foot injuries, such as a sedentary person who does short bouts of activity-also known as a "weekend warrior." Foot exercises are also a great way to relax and reward your feet-and yourself-after a long day standing or walking.
The following exercises here are sneaky. They are so easy to do that you may not think you're achieving much, but the next day you'll feel the difference. Start slowly and in time, increase the repetitions.
Golf Anyone?
This is a great warm up exercise. While seated in a chair, roll a golf ball around under the sole of each foot. This exercise increases blood flow and alleviates tension and arch strain, regardless of your handicap.