Foot Stretch: Simple Kneeling Stretch

Whether you are a runner, waitress, or fashionista you are putting your feet through a lot every day. Your feet are so important for your day to day activities; although they are typically overlooked as an important part of your body to stretch. The bottom part of your foot can get really tight and could cause some problems if it is not addressed properly. I personally love this stretch and was amazed at how much better my feet felt after I started doing this stretch. Your feet need some TLC. Taking some preventative measures can be the difference between happy pain-free feet and injury.

How to Stretch your Feet

Caution: If you have an injury or acute pain this stretch may not be for you. Consult a doctor and do not push through pain

Postion: Start by kneeling on a soft surface, then curl your toes and slowly move your weight back so you are sitting on your heels. Be sure to move slow and check in with how you feel. The stretch can be intense.

Duration: Aim for 90 seconds. I started no where near this amount of time, I started with about 20 second holds a couple of times a day.  But overtime, I was able to hold it for longer. Remember to breathe and relax through the whole stretch.

Frequency: Daily! To get the most benefits you should do this everyday, you use your feet so often and they are so important. This stretch is a great way to unwind and keep your feet feeling good. However, any stretching  is better than no stretching so if you do it once a month it will not help as much, but it is still a good use of time. 

Modification

To make the stretch less intense do not sit back on your heels instead put your body weight forward by leaning forward. You can even put your hands down in front of you to relieve some of the pressure. While keeping your body weight forward still try to keep your back straight and try not to tense up other areas. Relax and breathe.

Variation

​To make the stretch less intense do not sit back on your heels instead put your body weight forward by leaning forward. You can even but your hands down in front of you to relieve some of the pressure. While keeping your body weight forward still try to keep your back straight and try not to tense up other areas. Relax and breathe.

No matter which variation you choose remember to breathe and doing the stretch one time will not make a lasting change, but if you do it consistently you can feel like you got a new set of feet.

Enjoy,
<3 Jessica
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