Healthy Feet: Walking on Gravel

Описание: Wearing shoes is similar to when we put a limb in a cast after a bone break. Without regular use, the muscles will atrophy. As the smaller muscles of the foot weaken, the larger muscles of the leg will have to compensate.

There are 33 joints in each foot meaning there are almost an infinite number of positions your foot can be in at any given time. However, the soles of shoes are flat and unvarying, which means that the vast majority of joints in the foot do not get used when wearing shoes. After decades of shoe wearing our feet our weak from underuse while our leg muscles become weak from overuse.

This exercise is simple and effective. Walk on gravel. Our feet are meant to form to the shape of the earth we walk on. Natural terrains are generally uneven, causing our feet to bend and flex in ways that shoes do not allow. Walking on gravel will innervate weakened foot muscles and get your underused joints working again. When you find a tender spot, hold the position for a few extra seconds.

CAUTION: If it is too painful to walk on the gravel, try just standing on it. If that is still too painful, spend some time walking barefoot in your yard and eventually your feet will gain the strength to try the gravel walk.

I am a certified Healthy Foot Practitioner through the Restorative Exercise Institute