Exercises for Foot Strength

As a dancer your feet are your number one tool for your art form so it is important to look after them! Here are some exercises for stronger and more supple feet and ankles:

• Toe scrunches - place a towel under your foot, pull your toes towards you like you are trying to pick up the towel 
• Toe lifts - starting sat with the feet flat, try and lift each toe off the floor and back down
• Pointing into an exercise band - sitting with stretched legs, loop the exercise band length ways around the sole of the foot then pointe and flex working through demi pointe each time
• Flexing into an exercise band - sitting with straight legs again, loop the exercise band horizontally over the toes and then cross underneath the heel, from here flex and pointe just using your toes keeping the ankle pointed
• Double leg rises with exercise ball between the heels - stood in parallel, keep pressure in the ball as you rise and lower
• Single leg calf raises - hold onto a stable surface, stand on one leg and rise and lower slowly through your full range
• Foot flexes leaning on a wall - standing on two feet leaning back to the wall on a slight angle, lift the feet so you are balanced on your heels then lower and repeat

Whether you are wanting to improve the look of those ballet feet or just improve strength and stability this is a great place to start! You can find exercise bands and balls in our exercise accessory section of our shop online or in store.