The new year is here, and let’s strive to make 2017 a healthier year than 2016. Taking care of your whole body in the new year is important, but today we want to focus on one specific aspect of your health – your feet. Today, we share three tips for taking care of your feet in 2017.
Foot Care Resolutions
If you can keep these three resolutions in mind, you’ll find that your feet and your whole body will be healthier all throughout 2017.
1. Run – Running is the simplest form of exercise. You don’t need weights or a gym membership to do it, you just need to lace up your shoes and find some open space. Make a resolution to run more in 2017. Not only does running offer your feet numerous benefits, but it’s also great for your whole body. Running builds and strengthens muscles in your feet, and it also helps you keep excess weight off, which means your feet aren’t overstressed. Try to run 3-4 times a week, gradually building up your speed and distance so as not to overwork your feet too early.
2. Shoe Care – Your shoes play a bigger role in the health of your feet than you might expect. Unfortunately, when we pick out shoes, most of the time we’re looking for something that is appealing to the eye rather than something that is the best fit for our feet. This can leave us picking out shoes that are a little too tight, too loose, too little ankle support or something that doesn’t match our arch type. In 2017, resolve to only buy shoes in the store – that way you’ll know they fit right before you leave – and consider asking a shoe associate for help. They know how to fit your foot into the right shoe, and they can help ensure your feet are protected in your new pair of shoes.
3. Extra-Curricular Foot Activities – In the new year, strive to pick up one new habit that improves your foot health. Some hobbies that help improve your foot health and your whole body health without feeling like a traditional workout include:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Martial Arts
- Tai Chi
- Balance board training
- Wobble Board
- Crossfit
- Slacklining
- Rollerblading
- Cycling
That’s just a few of the many hobbies and activities that work to improve strength, balance, mobility and flexibility in out feet. If you keep these activities and the full list of resolutions in mind this year, we know you’ll have a health 2017!