People don’t often think about their feet when working out, but a foot injury can put you out of commission faster than most other ailments! Your feet are the foundation of your entire body. When they’re impeded by pain or discomfort, you can’t participate in your favorite athletic activities. Read on for some of our best tips for keeping your feet in tip-top shape.
Warm Up Your Feet Properly
Just like the rest of your muscles, your feet need to be warmed up before you dive into intense athletic activity. Make sure you stretch thoroughly, and consider walking or lightly jogging before starting your main workout.
Wear the Right Footwear
Wearing the right shoes is important all the time, but especially when you’re doing more than just walking around. While comfortable, well-fitting shoes go a long way, shoes that are specifically designed for your gait and the shape of your feet are ideal. If you’re particularly invested in a specific sport, it’s also a good idea to seek out shoes designed for that sport!
Condition Your Muscles
Just like finding shoes for your specific athletic activity goes a long way, so does conditioning your muscles for it. Make sure you’re building up to your desired athletic intensity gradually. Do specific research on some mobility and strength exercises you can work in when training. Also consider cross training with other activities.
Watch Where You Step
Especially if you run around your neighborhood or on outdoor trails, make sure you’re always paying attention to where you step! One bit of uneven pavement or a loose rock can mean the difference between enjoying a workout and weeks on the couch recovering.
If you’re new to running, try out some different surfaces to see which terrain you prefer! Maybe you’ll favor the evenness of a track, or perhaps you’ll like soft dirt better.
Listen to Your Body
More often than not, your body will tell you how it’s feeling if you listen! Increasing physical activity gradually, resting when you need rest, and taking preventative measures to avoid injury are all crucial to continuing to enjoy your favorite athletic hobbies.
Keep Enjoying Your Favorite Athletic Hobbies
As the weather continues to warm up in Alabama, make sure you’re ready to make the most of it! If you’re feeling any discomfort or pain in your feet, it’s best to get them checked out by a professional. At Foot Specialists of Birmingham, we can help you with a wide variety of problems—so you can get back on your feet! Contact us to set up an appointment today.
