With summer behind us, we somewhat sadly store the beach and pool equipment away for yet another season. However, the month of September is often a good time of year to sign up for a fitness class, start a new exercise routine, or even participate in a new sport at school. While many athletes already know the importance of a thorough warm up before starting any type of exercise, our Alexandria VA podiatrist wants you to know that proper stretching is often overlooked when it comes to your feet.
Put Your Best Foot Forward with These Handy Exercise & Stretching Tips from Our Alexandria VA Podiatrist
A 15-minute warm up before every exercise routine is important. It allows all your muscles to be more flexible and efficient during your workout. Gentle, gradual stretches increase both blood flow and body temperature to help maximize muscle performance during the most strenuous part of your activity. In addition, according to our Alexandria podiatrist, appropriately stretching both your ankle and foot is one of the best ways to prevent injuries, such as an ankle sprain. No matter what exercise routine you choose – from tennis to taekwondo and everything in between – our Alexandria VA podiatrist recommends adding these simple, easy foot stretches to every warm up:
- Sit on a comfortable chair or stand with your feet spread apart by about ten to twelve inches.
- From either your sitting or standing position, lift your right foot in the air and complete a set of 10 to 15 circles in one direction. Then repeat the set of circles, but move your foot around in the opposite direction.
- Repeat the circling motions with your left foot, and complete several sets by alternating between your right and left foot.
Remember: don't start your new exercise routine off on the "wrong foot"! Your warmed-up muscles perform better in every type of exercise, and you will also enjoy the added benefit of greater flexibility.
For Additional Stretching Techniques, Call Our Alexandria VA Podiatrist
We are only a phone call away! As we head into fall, our podiatry team looks forward to keeping your feet happy and healthy!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office near Alexandria, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
