3 exercises to strengthen arches, ankles and feet...ANIMATED! (karma: 261)en>frfr>en By PurkleStars Comments: 333, member since Thu Jan 22, 2004
On Mon Aug 16, 2004 05:01 PM
Made sticky by MIClogger (28613) on 2004-08-17 15:21:31
Made unsticky by Theresa (28613) on 2005-12-02 22:07:02 added to new faq
After having quite a few people asking me what exercises I do to strengthen my arches, ankles and feet in general, I decided to make a post dedicated to it. The animated pictures I have created of my own feet, hopefully will help me to explain them.
I wasnt sure where to post this, so I thought the pointe forum would be most appropriate, seen as strong feet and ankles are a must for pointework.
Exercise one: Simple releves
Simply doing slow releves helps to strengthen your feet, and works on your arch and ankle strength, not to mention helping to break in pointe shoes. The slower the better here, so in a way it also helps with balance. You can do these releves in first position (as show in the animation), second and fifth. Also do some slow releves in parallel first and second (parallel: where you dont turn your feet out).
Remember to keep your releves slow and controlled, being careful, and not rolling too far forward or backwards on your toes when you rise up. Your weight should be evenly distributed between both feet, the weight centered down the ball of each foot.
If you're feeling adventurous: Try doing the releves on just one foot at a time. This is extra tricky to start off with, but as your balance improves, so will your strength. Hold your other foot in passe.
Exercise two: Arch stretches
I have posted a shot of my arch before doing this exercise and got an unexpected HUGE response from it. Basically, all it takes is practice. Start with your foot upright, then keeping your leg straight, push your toes (without scrunching them) down onto the floor. The aim is to get your toes to touch the floor with your foot fully pointed, or even better, to get the top of the ball of your foot to touch the floor, as I have demonstrated in the animation. This really helps with your arches, and also allows you to practice pointing your foot to its fullest.
Big tip: To maximise this stretch, as with any stretch, when you have reached as far as you can pointe with your feet, hold it for about 30 seconds or however long in comfortable, wiggle your toes and bend your knees to relax your muscles, then start again. Start off with one foot at a time so you can fully concentrate on one foot, instead of trying to control and push both feet to the limit.
Exercise three: Releves with a twist!
These, I find are the hardest of the three exercises, but is the one I can really feel work on my calves and ankles and feet. It vastly improves your balance, ankle strength and general foot strength.
In the animation I am doing this exercise with just one foot. This is extremely difficult and should not be attempted until you can do it with both feet.
If your balance isnt 100% start with both feet on the edge of a step or a raised surface. You can hold onto something for support at first, but try to built up your balance and strength so you dont need the support for balance. Put the balls of your feet on the edge of the raised platform, then lower your heel as far down as it can go, then slowly rise up into demi pointe, pushing up as far as you can go, then lower back down, again controlling the speed at which you lower.
Big tip: Again, the slower the better. Once you are comfotable with doing this exercise with both feet on the step, try lifting one foot into passe, then try the exercise again, (as shown in the animation). At first you'll probably need a support to hold onto, but with time you should be able to do this exercise on one foot without the support.
All these exercises need to be repeated in order for them to work efficiently, and to be carried out regularly. In time, you will notice the difference.
I hope these will help a great deal of people looking for ways to strengthen their feet and ankles.
re: 3 exercises to strengthen arches, ankles and feet...ANIMATED!en>frfr>en By ballet_dancer_ Comments: 2340, member since Wed Oct 29, 2003
On Mon Aug 16, 2004 07:27 PM
*gasp*
Wow, PurkleStars, that is an amazing collection of exercises! You must have put a lot of hard word and effort into the creation of this thread, and I commend you for your hard work--- especially with the animation! Great job. Karma!
re: 3 exercises to strengthen arches, ankles and feet...ANIMATED!en>frfr>en By ballerinagirl06 Comments: 779, member since Fri Mar 05, 2004
On Mon Aug 16, 2004 09:59 PM
Thanks for this great post! You have beautiful feet. Karma is coming your way! To flexiskey- you can also do the "stairs" exercise on the edge of a good sturdy chair (preferably not padded). Just make sure it won't tip over, of course! Actually, now that I think of it, a coffee table or anything like that would probably work well too!
re: 3 exercises to strengthen arches, ankles and feet...ANIMATED!en>frfr>en By highlandlassie Comments: 2755, member since Wed Feb 18, 2004
On Tue Aug 17, 2004 06:56 AM
Oh wow, the one where you are sitting and pointing your feet...what amazing points!!! I first thought "fantastic arch" and then it pointed further, right to the floor!! You are a lucky, lucky girl with feet like that!!
and you have great feet!... KARMA for you 
