feet strengthening exercises?

Question

I have no intention to start pointe ever, but I need my feet to be very strong (for ballroom and latin). My coach told me to do high toes exersize, but something inside my foot hurts a lot when I do it. She said she didn't have that problem, so she doesn't know. But my feet definitely need to get stronger, because what she requires of me is impossible with weaker feet. Any advise? If you suggest exersises please specify - done in shoes or without shoes.

By "high toes" I mean stand my feet together, raise on the toes. As if I'm wearing high heels. I can get my heels approx 4" off the ground (I wear size 6 shoes, so that's not too bad of a range). I know it because when I do it in dance shoes with 3" heels I can see about 1" gap. But when I do it barefoot and my heels are about 2" off the ground it hurts. I was hoping there are other exersises that can make my feet stronger.

I would love if ballet people can tell me how do they strengthen their feet. I think I need the same training as for ballet. Thank you everyone.

Answer 1

okay i would suggest you do the rises without the heels on , what you could also do is get a small towel and try moving it under your foor or try moving it with your toes withought lifting you heels .If any excersises you do hurt your feet you can go and see a podiatris or a dance physio therapist soz about d spelling if its wrong!
good luck

Answer 2

I have a few good answers to your question. First off, do you have a theraband? If not you must invest in one right away, make sure that it's not to strong either (that can injure you, as apposed to strengthening). Doing simple toe, ball, heal exercises sitting on the floor with your theraband. This will help strengthen the smaller muscles in your feet. Also, put down a hand towel at the tip of your toes and pull the towel towards you using only your toes. It is really important to strengthen your ankles as well, if you don't have strong ankles it doesn't matter how strong your feet are you won't have proper support. I hope this helps!

Answer 3

When you say "high toes" exercise, I assume you mean, stand with feet together then raise your heels off the ground?

To get the benefit of this exercise, you don't need to raise your heels very high. Just think of lifting your heels as high as they would be if you were wearing high heels. Actually, this exercise is going to do more for your ankles and balance than for your feet.

If that hurts, there is something wrong with your feet and you should get them checked out.

A good exercise to strengthen feet, is to put a rag on the ground and try to scrunch it up with your feet.

Answer 4

Exercises for the Feet

The best exercise for the feet is to walk bare feet on the grass in your garden , if possible.


Foot Stretch: Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you. Loop the towel around your feet. Keeping the heels on the floor, pull with both hands. Use the towel to draw the mid foot and toes towards your body. Hold for few seconds, relax, repeat 5 times.

Answer 5

to boot the link that Mintchip gave you and different exercises which you will discover for the theraband on youtube. try spelling the alphabet with your toes (rehab centers use this), and doing calf will boost on a stair case (going as much as releve) so which you have extra advantageous selection of action- you could bypass up and down in comparison to flat floor the place you could basically bypass up. And stable for you beginning ballet, i'm in my 2d 365 days of balelt at 34.

Answer 6

Walking. Walking 30 mins. around, anywhere is a perfect exercise to yuor feet and legs as well. Try to take jogging in the morning. It is effective.

You don't need to do heavy workouts, all starts in a simple step.

But before you perform some heavy activities, you must stretch your muscles first to avoid injury.

Answer 7

Don't do any exercises that makes your feet hurt. Big deal your coach doesn't have a problem with her feet. Everyone has different problems. Pay attention to your own body and get yourself a good podiatrist that treats alot of dancers. If you are thinking of going professional you may be in trouble pursuing this profession.

Answer 8

http://www.comfortshoe.com/foot_exercises_.htm

try stretching, warming up, to alleviate the pain, and calf raises, as well (these strengthen the whole area, which means the foot muscles don't have to work alone, and stretch the tendons, as well).