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Running Exercises

Running Season Has Arrived!

Here at Toronto’s Feet First Clinic, we’re always happy to see our patients and help them out with whatever issue that has arisen. If you need a wart removed by a great chiropodist, we should be at the top of your list; if you need custom orthotics made to help correct your gait and give you the arch support you need, we’re the right choice. In the meantime, however, between appointments, there are plenty of running exercises and stretches that you can do to maintain the health and overall strength of your feet.

Many people will hit the gym or go to yoga class three times a week, but often the smaller muscle groups like the wrists, feet and small stabilizer muscles are ignored. A more holistic, enlightened approach to exercise would see fitness enthusiasts spending more time spreading their attention around so that the entire body is strong and toned, not just the parts that you can see in the mirror. And even if you don’t like hitting the gym or going to yoga class, if you have issues with your feet or suffer from common conditions like plantar fasciitis, foot strengthening and stretching can bring you relief and act as a preventative measure against pain and tightness. There are countless Benefits of Gait Analysis and orthotic inserts, but doing maintenance running exercises on your own can really help speed your progress along.

Two people running down the street

For the rest of the post, we’ll be describing several running exercises that will help you build up strong, healthy feet:

Running Exercises

Running Exercises #1: Plantar Stretch

Plantar Stretch For Feet

Any Foot Specialist in Toronto will tell you that this basic plantar stretch is a fantastic way to start the rehabilitation process and relieve your pain. Simply cross your barefoot over your opposite knee while sitting on a chair and stretch the plantar by pulling your toes towards your shin. You may not feel the results immediately, but if you persist, you will almost certainly experience some gradual relief.

Exercise #2: Marbles in the Jar

Running Exercises For Healthy Feet

This is a straightforward strengthening exercise in which you scatter ten marbles on the carpet, pick them up with one by one with your feet, and drop them in a jar. You should perform this strengthening exercise one foot at a time to make sure each individual foot gets the benefit. If you get bored easily, you may want to see if you can corral your spouse or child to compete against you for speed.

Exercise #3: Tree Pose

Borrowing a bit of wisdom from the world of yoga, we recommend practicing your tree pose to strengthen the many muscles in your feet. Tree pose involves balancing on one foot with your other foot pressed into your calf or thigh. Eventually, you can advance to closing your eyes, or, for a serious challenge, you can try standing on a mini trampoline or something less stable. According to yogi philosophy, tree pose can help you feel grounded and strong, in addition to strengthening your feet and ankles; it’s a win-win!

Exercise #4: Negative Calf Raises

The calf raises can be done simply by standing on a step in your stairway, pushing up into a calf raise (with both feet), raising one foot off the step and lowering the other foot below the step to put a deep stretch into the calf. The whole exercise strengthens the lower legs, but the stretch helps to prevent Achilles Tendonitis.

Running Injury Have You Down? We Have Solutions!

We’re confident in our ability to help inform you and solve your concern with the least amount of discomfort as possible. Call us even to ask about a quick question and we’d be happy to point you in the right direction!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Click Above to Book Your Assessment Today!

Everything You Need for Healthy Feet - All Under One Roof

At Feet First Clinic, we’re always excited to welcome new clients! We’re Toronto’s one-stop-shop for all your foot-related needs. For 15 years, our staff and licensed chiropodists have been helping people with their feet. From foot care to foot pain to foot products – we do it all! Give us a call to ask our friendly staff any questions you may have! Our Toronto foot specialists are ready to help!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

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Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.