Did you know that the average person walks enough steps to circle the Earth twice? That’s about 13 million steps in a lifetime! To keep your feet in good shape, there are simple exercises you can do right from the comfort of your own home.
Toe grip– Drop a sock or other lightweight object on the floor and use your toes to pick up the object and lift it off the floor. Hold the object for 10 seconds, then release it. Repeat this exercise five times with each foot twice per day. DOing this regularly will strengthen foot muscles and improve balance.
Toe extension– Wrap a thick rubber band around all five of your toes. Spread your toes and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat five times with each foot twice per day to strengthen and support the muscles in your feet.
Calf raise– Stand near a counter and hold on lightly for balance. While balanced on one foot, rise up onto the toes of your other foot. Hold for 10 seconds, then lower. Repeat ten times on each foot to strengthen your feet and calves which helps improve balance.
Calf stretch– Sit with one of your legs stretched out in front of you and wrap a towel around the ball of your foot. Gently pull back on the towel until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot and calf. Hold for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat five times on each leg to keep the Achilles tendons and the plantar fascia from getting tight.
Finally, when you are all done, pamper your feet with a nice, hot soak. A basic foot soak can be made from 1 part Epsom salts, 1 part baking soda, and a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil. Here are several homemade recipes.
Happy walking!
