Have you tried yoga yet? In recent years, many have benefitted from practicing Yoga. It is good for the mind and body, helping you to focus, strengthening your muscles, and improving your balance. For your feet in particular, it can be helpful in becoming more aware of two body parts that constantly carry the whole of you around. (Note: If you haven’t practiced yoga before, it is best to begin under the guidance of a Yoga instructor for proper alignment and form to prevent injury.)

Are you ready to connect with your feet and challenge your body to go beyond your daily movements? Try some of these poses to test the flexibility, endurance, and strength of your feet. Remember that pain is not a part of yoga, so only push as far as you are comfortable.

• Tadasana (or Mountain Pose): You may feel like all you are doing is standing. That’s right. This is a standing pose where you feel out how the feet touch the ground and support the entirety of your body. Are you swaying or leaning on one side or the other? Make sure you are balanced. For a challenge, try stretching out your toes wide or lifting them up.
• Tree Pose: Balance on one leg with your other foot against your ankle. How is your balancing foot compensating? Do you put more of the weight on the inner or outer side of your foot (do you over- or under-pronate)? Try to shift the weight evenly on your foot. For a challenge, raise your elevated foot to inside of the knee or thigh, as well as raising your arms above your head, like a tree.
• Hero Pose: This is usually considered an uncomfortable sitting position. However, it is a great way to stretch your ankles and quads. For a challenge, tuck your feet and toes under your bottom, so that your toes are bearing your weight instead of the top of your feet. Where are your pinkies? Did they follow suit? You may have to help tuck them under!

Practicing Yoga often can help your body feel rejuvenated and relaxed from stress or tension. After some of these moves, you may become more aware of your feet and appreciate how much work they do in each pose. You may begin to notice what role your feet play in any activity you do, even when simply walking or standing. Strengthening your feet and improving balance can only improve your feet and ankle health, but pain should not be a part of it. If you notice some pain when you try Yoga or in any other activity, come see our podiatrist, Dr. Jonathan M. Kletz at Texas Foot Works. Make an appointment at any of our Abrams (Dallas), Athens, and Gun Barrell City, TX offices so that we can assess your needs and treat them properly!