Another Trick For Creating A Balanced Body

I discovered a really cool way to locate the balance point in my body. Well, actually my physical Therapist encouraged me to do this little exercise whenever I think about it. I have been playing around with it for a couple of months now. It is powerful enough for me to want to share it with you. It will seem crazy simple, which in my mind is elegant. I will tell you how to do it.

First, stand up with your feet at a stable distance apart. I like hip distance. Line up your body so that there is a tiny bend in your knees. Pull your hip joints toward the center of your body. In other words, tighten up your glutes like you are holding a $100 bill in between your butt cheeks. This pulls in your hips. Then pull your lower abs up and in to support your lower back. Allow your low back to have its natural arch. Pull your shoulders back and drop them into a relaxed position. Bring your head into alignment by tucking your chin just a little, and imagine your ears lining up with your shoulder joints. When your ears, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles feel lined up in a stable way, you are ready for the exercise. I know this sounds like a lot but it is the basic good posture position that I talk about so often in our exercise programs.

Now that you are standing beautifully, with your toes pointing forward, lift those magnificent toes off the ground as high as you can. Notice how your body position changes. The arches of your feet will lift, and you will become aware of your whole foot. For me, it feels very solid. Hold your toes up as long as you can and then try again.

I do this when I am brushing my teeth or waiting for water to heat up. I do it when I am waiting for Jingles to do her evacuations. I actually think it has become a nervous habit. I suppose it isn’t a bad habit to have. You can do it when you are sitting as well. Just lift your toes.

This little exercise helps us when we walk. Most of us do not lift our toes enough, which increases our chances of tripping or even falling. I have noticed that large sidewalk cracks are not as much of a problem as they once were. Also, my feet feel stronger in general. My arches have become stronger and I am even noticing muscle definition in my feet that is brand new to me. I have never thought much about foot muscle definition but it is quite satisfying. Strong, beautiful feet create a solid foundation for our entire bodies. Bodies are infinitely intriguing and amazing to me. How can we ever be bored when we have a miraculous body to explore?

Good health to you,
Mel