5 Yoga Poses for Stronger Feet
Could your feet use a little strengthening? These poses will help.
Many of us don’t realize that having strong foot muscles can be the key to being able to perform your yoga routine more fully and effectively. Even if you’re not a yogi, improving the strength of your feet can help you in your daily routine, whether you’re on your feet at work all day or spending the day walking around at the mall.
The poses below will specifically help you to strengthen your foot muscles so your feet will feel and perform better, wherever your day takes you!
By Ameya C
Mountain Pose
This pose features in almost all yoga based literature. One of the simplest yoga asanas, Tadasana or mountain pose has many health benefits; one of them is promoting foot strength.
Begin by standing upright. Straighten your knees and keep your sole flat on the ground. Shift your feet closer to each other; your heels should be an inch apart. Loosen your arms and keep them by the sides and gaze forward. Hold this pose for at least 2 minutes.
Triangle Pose
This pose is great for people who have problems in the feet. The triangle pose or Trikonasana helps you lose weight and energizes your body.
Keep your feet shoulder width. Now straighten your right leg and bend your hip down to the side. You should grip your left arm with your left shin. Now raise your other arm straight upwards. Turn your head and look towards the raised arm. Continue holding the position until you feel a stretch in the hips.
Warrior Pose
The warrior pose helps improve calf flexibility and strength. Named after the legendary warrior Virbhadra, this asana is especially effective for the feet. For best results, perform the warrior pose everyday for at least three months.
Put your right foot in front and bend the knee. Turn your left foot at a 90 degree angle to the right leg. Now raise your arms and bring them parallel to the floor. Your palms should face the ground. Hold the pose for around 30-45 seconds.
Pigeon Pose
The Kapotasana is a complete body workout. It helps improve strength in your legs and your upper body. It is especially good for people who suffer from foot problems. This pose is good for toning your thighs and helps loosen tight hip flexors and thighs.
Kneel down on the ground and keep your back straight. Stretch your right leg behind you. Keep extending your right leg until your left knee and foot are adjacent to the right hip. Remember that your toes should remain pointed. Lean forward and inhale deeply. Push your chest outwards. Hold position for around 20-25 seconds. Switch sides and repeat. Rest.
Camel Pose
Ustrasana has many benefits, from relieving congestion to strengthening your back and improving knee mobility, this pose does it all. The position of the legs and the efficacy of this pose have made it one of the best asanas for improving knee pain and treating lupus, arthritis and the like.
Kneel down on a yoga mat or the floor. Your arms should rest at the side. Begin bending your torso backwards. Continue bending until you feel a stretch in your back. Try and hold onto your heels with your hands. If holding the heel is too difficult, consider keeping your hands on your hips. Hold this pose for around 25-30 seconds before you let go. Don’t jerk back to starting position, as you may end up hurting your back. Perform 4-5 repetitions of this pose.
All images courtesy of Shutterstock.
