Is Your Ankle Mobility Holding Back Your Running
Runners are known to push into pain in pursuit of their goals. Setting a new 5k PR or training for a marathon involves an unavoidable degree of discomfort. However, some nagging aches and pains are our body’s way of telling us something needs fixing. Whether you are a rearfoot or forefoot runner, a large amount of force goes through your ankle when you run1. While knee or ankle pain could be normal delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) from running, it could also be related to ankle mobility2.
Ankle Strengthening Exercises to Try at Home/Work/Anywhere
The foot and ankle complex are the powerhouse of the body. It is the first thing touching the ground and absorbing everything the body does. While the foot and ankle are very important structures for the body, they are also very complex. There are 26 bones, 30 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons that help to support the foot and ankle. Having a strong foot and ankle is essential for injury prevention. How can you increase the strength of your ankles on the fly? Try doing 3 sets of 10 repetitions of these 5 exercises on the go.
Do I Need to Stretch My Ankles?
If you have been inside a gym or physical therapy office, you may have heard the phrase “stretch your calves.” This phrase can mean so many different things to so many different people. Let’s take a few minutes to clear up the confusion, and ensure everyone gets the most out of their exercise routine.