Walking on half-toes all the time, such as wearing high-heeled shoes, can overload the calf muscles. But if you regularly stand on your toes to do this exercise, you can strengthen your feet and calf muscles.
Why is walking on half-toes useful?
Half-toe walking is an effective exercise that requires no equipment. We will tell you what benefits it will bring if you do it regularly.
Strengthens the ankles
Strong and healthy ankles are important in daily life: both legs and feet are made up of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are constantly stressed. The largest tendon in our body is the Achilles, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Without him, it would be very difficult for us to walk. Other tendons in the ankle engage the flexor muscles of the toes. By training these tendons and nearby muscles and ligaments, you increase the range of motion in that area and improve overall leg health.
Trains the muscles of the legs
The calf muscles include the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The first is responsible for stabilizing the body while moving, for example when running or walking. The second is involved in flexion of the foot in the ankle joint. We don’t actually know many exercises to train these muscles, but both are involved in walking on the half-toes. By the way, strong ankles and calves help keep balance when you do your usual things: stand, walk, run, jump.
Helps in the treatment and prevention of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, or heel spur, is a condition that causes pain in the heel or midfoot due to changes in the plantar fascia that connects the heel to the forefoot.
The treatment of this disease should be complex: most often they use special drugs, orthopedic shoes, apply cold to the painful area. Half-toe walking has also been used to treat heel spurs and research has shown good results. This exercise strengthens the arch of the foot and is beneficial for people with flat feet.
Improves the condition of the fingers
Toe walking stretches the small muscles in the toes, increases the range of motion in them, and improves blood circulation. Do you feel stiffness and pain in this area? This exercise is what you need.
How to do
You can walk on half-toes every day, and if you want to, you can do it twice, for example, in the morning and in the evening. You can do this exercise at any time and combine it with other activities, such as watching your favorite show or listening to a podcast.
- Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Get on your toes as high as you can.
- Start walking forward, try to walk in a straight line and do not bend your knees. Keep your back straight.
- Walk so to the opposite edge of the room, then turn around.
- Do 1-3 repetitions of 10-20 meters.
What is the bottom line
Half-toe walking is a simple exercise that doesn’t take long and can help make your calf and foot muscles stronger and your tendons stronger. Do it regularly to prevent injuries and flat feet, and to improve leg health.