Face it. You will never, ever give up your favorite stilettos. No matter how much torment they put you through, you still get a thrill pulling them out of the closet and slipping them on for a night out. You would, however, like to give up the aching you feel after running around the office or chasing after the kids. Karin Wiedemann, director of Urban Yoga in Washington D.C., offered us her relief system for an unbreakable addiction.
Tennis Ball Roll
Keep a tennis ball in your drawer at work to pop out to use for this soothing massage. Place the tennis ball on the floor, then stand up and place your bare foot onto the ball so it’s under the arch of your foot. Roll the bottom of your foot back and forth on it, increasing the amount of pressure as you go by pushing your foot more firmly into the ball. “This will relieve the stiffness in the bottom of your foot,” says Wiedemann. Do this for about 2 minutes a foot. If you feel unstable, hold on to a wall while doing this exercise.
Toe Stretch Cycle
Sitting down, cross your right ankle over your left thigh. Weave the fingers (or fingertips) of your left hand in between your toes. It’ll look like you’re holding hands with your foot; your palm is against the ball of your foot. Using your hand to power the movement, circle the foot around 10 times clockwise—make big circles—to bring more flexibility to your ankle. Repeat circling counterclockwise.
Next, spread your fingers apart to stretch your toes out to the sides for 5 deep breaths, inhales and exhales. Remove your fingers so your toes remain spread on their own, and hold for 5 more deep breaths.
Remain seated with your right ankle over your left thigh. Place your left hand on top of your right foot and bend your toes down towards your heel. Then pull the top of your right foot backwards, bending your toes back towards your shins.
While still seated with your right ankle over your left thigh, massage the bottom of your right foot with your thumbs, pressing against the tight places. Hold onto your foot near the ankle and shake your foot around.
Repeat all with the left foot.
