Spring has arrived and perhaps we didn’t accomplish our winter health goals as much as we had planned. If you have joined a gym and are increasing your weekly aerobic exercise to shed those unwanted winter pounds you may want to educate yourself on foot safety before tackling the challenge.
Warm Up First!
Even your toes and feet need to get with the program before jumping in.
- Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground directly in front of you. Lift your leg off the ground (one at a time) and make circles in the air by using your big toe as the focal point. Move for 20 to 30 seconds in clockwise direction. Repeat with other foot.
- Stand flat foot on the ground and hold on to a sturdy surface. With your feet beside each other rock your feet forward and backward as far as your muscles will allow without straining yourself.
- Standing up straight with your feet beside each other, take your right toe and place it beside the heel of your left foot and softly push forward towards the floor to gently stretch your arch.
Stay Focused!
- If you are not careful you can develop some minor ailments that will slow you down and could potentially interrupt your flow. For example; Athlete’s foot, Blisters, Corns, Calluses, Heel Pain
Stay Mobile and Coordinated!
- Rhythmical moves that slowly expand your range of motion gives your tissues energy and enhances your coordination so you are less likely to fall. If you lack coordination for a certain class you should find one that suits your ability and gain experience first. After you have achieved some new goals then go back and try that class again.
Start Slow and Adapt!
- Increase your intensity as your body gets warm and flexible. If you are tired and jump right in then your energy will drain quickly and you will feel defeated. Adapt your body and mind to the exercise you are doing and you will be more likely to relax and do it correctly.
These points eventually lead to less injuries and better performance which leads to making your goal. If you are thinking of trying a more intense routine or if you are getting back in shape after a long break you should contact Zahid Ladha, D.P.M. in New Albany, Indiana at 812-945-9221 and make an appointment for a foot examination before you start your new work out plan. Foot First Podiatry will help you make goals for a healthy body and feet!