When it comes to cardio workouts, unlike weightlifting and ab routines, your feet take on a lot of the strain. It’s important to take care of your feet even if they’re healthy to prevent problems like bunions, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot.
Whether you’re sprinting or hiking, this guide helps you keep your feet in top shape during cardio exercises. Running alone won’t adequately strengthen your feet. Stretching and moving your feet before you start your workout helps prevent pain and builds the muscles in each foot.
Weak feet can lead to chronic ankle instability and other issues like neuromas, inflammation, or stress fractures. Runner’s World highlights the importance of foot-specific stretches and workouts that you can do at home with little to no equipment.
These exercises are great to try before or after your cardio session. Experiment to see which ones reduce your foot pain the most.
Your feet support your entire body during cardio workouts, so take care of them by investing in good shoes. Look for footwear that offers stability and pain relief, especially if you have conditions like Morton’s neuroma, hammertoe, or plantar fasciitis.
Before buying new shoes, make sure you know your exact foot size and type. Your foot size might increase as you age, and women who have had children might notice a full size increase. It’s also important to know if you have flat feet or high arches to choose shoes that offer the right balance of comfort and support.
Sweating is a part of cardio, but maintaining proper hygiene is crucial to prevent bacteria from growing on your feet. If you use a public shower after your workout, wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops to avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
Here are some general tips for good foot hygiene if you do cardio regularly:
– Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily.
– Use antifungal powder if you’re prone to athlete’s foot.
– Change your socks regularly to keep your feet dry.
Listen to your feet. If you experience unusual aches and pains, stop your workout. Cardio can be tough on your feet, causing a lot of pounding and stress on your ankles.
Don’t push through the pain. Give your feet time to recover and don’t resume cardio until you’re pain-free. Jumping back in too soon can lead to serious injuries.
Keeping your feet healthy requires attention and care. Without the right preventative steps, you might face serious problems that could derail your fitness goals. Use this guide to start practicing good foot health today!
