05/03/2026
Your feet are the foundation of every movement you make..
. yet they are often the most neglected part of our body.
Each foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, forming a complex structure designed to support, absorb force and adapt to the ground beneath us.
When the feet become weak, stiff or poorly controlled, the rest of the body often compensates, which can contribute to issues in the ankles, knees, hips and even the lower back.
Research increasingly shows that targeted foot strengthening and mobility exercises can improve:
• Balance
• Walking mechanics (gait)
• Foot stability
• Running efficiency
• Overall lower-limb function
Studies have also shown that strengthening the intrinsic foot muscles can improve arch support and foot function, while better foot strength and sensory awareness are associated with reduced fall risk in older adults.
In other words: Strong Feet Support a Resilient Body!
These simple exercises help maintain mobility, strength and proprioception, which are essential not only for athletes, but for everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance as we age. I incoroporate these exercises in every single class I teach (with variations) - whether thats postnatal, antenatal, beginners/intermediate or reformer!
Think of it as future-proofing your movement.
Train your feet the same way you train the rest of your body, from the ground up.
If you want healthier feet, better balance and stronger movement patterns, start including foot work in your routine. Your future body will thank you.
Anna Maria x
