Get going on the right foot
Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:09 PM
Filed Under:
Legs, Performance, Kathy Kaehler
By Kathy Kaehler
Kicking off a New Year’s exercise program takes some preparation, so make sure you get going on the right foot.
Taking care of your feet can mean the difference between keeping pace with your program and sitting it out on the sidelines with aches, pains and injuries -- not just of your feet but your legs and back, too.
Your feet are the foundation that supports your body, so keep that foundation strong with the following steps:
*Invest in good shoes. Not just any pair of sneakers will do. Get the right shoe for the fitness program that you are doing -- walking shoes for walking, running shoes for running, and cross-trainers for just about everything else. Look for shoes from reputable sports-shoe companies, and then get fitted properly.
*Stretch. Keep your feet flexible with some simple stretches. Try this one: Take off your shoes and roll each foot over a tennis ball while you sit at your desk, read or watch TV. This really stretches the arch of the foot.
*Cut your toenails. Keeping your nails trimmed properly is very important because pressure on your feet increases during impact exercise. Sore toes will nix any workout.
*Replace worn sneaks. If you’re a regular exerciser, your workout shoes should be replaced about every 6 months. When you find a workout shoe that fits well, I’d suggest buying a second pair so you can rotate between the two and not have to shop so often. You’ll also be sure to have a clean, dry pair ready to go when you are.
*Sore foot? Seek help. See a podiatrist if you have any consistent pain in your feet. It could be something small like an ingrown toenail or a more troublesome problem such as the tendon inflammation of plantar fasciitis, which can put you out of commission for weeks. Early treatment will get you back on your feet the quickest.
