How often do you think about your feet? Besides the random pedicure or shoe shopping spree, most of us forget about the little guys. We’ll cram them into tight stilettos or hard work boots and forget that the foot is a massive receptor. A vast nerve network just itching to be massaged, stretched and strengthened.
Imagine back in the day how agile our feet had to be. Hunting and gathering bare foot requires strength and flexibility. Modern day humans don’t necessarily need this type of agility, but that doesn’t mean we should completely forget that how we treat our feet trickles up into the rest of the body and mind. Tension in the feet, or anywhere else in the body for that matter, leads to mental stress and unease. Reflexology massage is a perfect example of how massaging pressure points on the foot can relieve tension elsewhere in the body. Everything is connected in the body. When we neglect one part we neglect the whole.
Below I wanted to offer you all some strengthening exercises and simple massage techniques I do everyday. Follow along to build more mind/body awareness and relieve stress. Perfect for the beginning or end of the day!
Foot Massage and Strengthening Exercises from Amber Zuckswert on Vimeo.
Toe socks and the ever popular Vibram Five Finger running shoes have highlighted the growing concern over foot health and longevity. I recently finished up a fantastic read, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Athletic shoe giants like Nike have tricked us into thinking more padding and support is the quick fix and answer to back and knee pain associated with foot imbalances. Why? To sell more shoes! We have to go back to what nature intended if we want to truly fly. Strengthen the foot and toss the shoes. SImple. Runner’s World offers a well rounded pro and con discussion if you’re intrigued.
Though I don’t run on a regular basis I’ve been dying to get a pair of Vibrams just to wear when power walking the hills around town. They are popping up on people’s feet more and more every day. Until I buy a pair I’ll have to do with my toe socks which I dance and teach in daily.
Notice the massive holes in my socks?! I could never go back to stuffing my feet into ballet shoes or point shoes! You don’t want to know the kind of crippled toes and deformed feet I’ve seen when point shoes come off.
Take care of your feet now and thank me later! Happy Weekend everyone!
How do you take care of your feet? Have you tried Vibrams or toe socks? Reflexology?
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{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I actually wear inlays for shoes, and I walk and jog around a lot, to get the energy (and the muscles going !
It’s so ridiculously easy (if you work from home) to not move them, that’s why I make myself go through the daily “workout!”
I love this post! You have a host of helpful exercises that can be used for stretching the foot. You brought up an interesting topic here, it seems the foot is the most neglected part of the body. And we put so much wear on it and wonder why we end up having back aches and migraines. Thanks for sahring!
Yes!! Feet!! I’ve been walking SO much more since I started my nomadic lifestyle in India — at least 6 – 10 miles a day! My boot-covered feet are screaming for stimulation!
The Vibram FiveFingers finally showed up as in-stock on their website a few days ago and I immediately ordered a pair of the Sprint model. A friend is bringing them to India from the US for me. I can’t wait to start running and walking in them!
Thanks for this post — I’m going to do these foot exercises tonight!
great & very informative vid! i stand around alot at work and am always trying different ways to stretch my feet so this is great! p.s. the pic of you in the air is stunning! love it! peace.
Mars- it is way too easy to forget about feet. Glad you incorporate some foot work into your daily regime. What type of exercise do you love the most?
Jarred- yes! Knee, hip and back pain can stem from foot imbalances. Flat arches are a huge problem with several of my clients. Just doing foot strengthening work does wonders for balance and alignment.
Raam- awesome! I found the same thing when I was roaming around Oz. I still walk about two hours a day after developing the habit abroad. I love walking!! That’s so great that your buddy is bringing them for you. I love hearing about your adventures. keep it coming!
Nicole- Thanks for the sweet compliment girly! I can give you some other stretches to do as well. I know when us gals wear heels around all day our poor feet take a beating. Happy sunday!
i am so guilty of never thinking about my feet – yesterday i went to get a pedicure and didn’t want to look down the whole time. what is it with me and my feet?!
Lynn- haha you are not alone. Many of my clients are the same way. Baby steps!
Great new site design. You also look very confident and natural on camera, not always an easy thing to do though I may struggle with the effortless flexibility.
Jonny- thanks so much for the site comments. I will have a lot more video up soon. There is a lot in the works. Right now I’m just trying to convert my live clients to virtual ones. check back for more updates.
As a yoga instructor and runner, I find myself massaging my feet while doing seated poses without even realizing I am doing. I enjoyed the video and will use these stretches!
Kelly- haha me too.
I just saw this video and I love it! Thanks for the wonderful tips to strengthen our feet and to relieve the stress we put them through every day! I hope to adopt these techniques and practice them regularly.