Use it or Lose it….So True

Given life’s events I have come to learn that not using my body lends itself to a huge amount of discomfort and joint pain, whereas when I exercise at least to some degree daily I feel fantastic with the most discomfort I may be in being muscle fatigue.  Based on the very true old adage (which I actually looked up but could not find where the quote came from) I have decided to start a series of reminders to “use it or lose it”.  

Today I would like to discuss the ankles and feet.  Given our modern living on concrete/asphalt and shoes, most of us have feet that are hugely non articulating leading to several issues that occur with the feet themselves, ankles, knees and eventually the pelvis.  

A quick test -- how far can you squat down with your legs parallel, just slightly wider than your sitz bones keeping your heels down?  My guess might be not very far without falling over.  Tight ankles.  Healthy ankles should enable you to squat and balance there.  Let’s try squatting at least once a day to improve the flexibility in our ankles.

Second quick test -- can you scrunch up a towel laid out in front of you pulling the towel towards you with your toes and metatarsals?  This one is probably easier than the squatting however you might experience a non-fluid motion of getting your foot to make the movement and perhaps some early fatigue.

Use it or lose it, right?  We used to walk barefoot on the dirt for miles and miles, now we barely walk in shoes on concrete and asphalt.  Your feet need to articulate properly using both the posterior and anterior muscles in the lower leg.  Ultimately, this usage affects how your pelvis is able to move to sustain you as you go through life.

Let’s choose the “use it” path together!!!!  There is nothing like a healthy happy body!!

REVOLUTIONIZE THE WAY YOU MOVE AND FEEL!