When it comes to cardio workouts, your feet play a crucial role, unlike in weightlifting and ab routines. Even if your feet are currently healthy, it’s important to take steps to prevent issues like bunions, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot.
Whether you’re sprinting or hiking, this guide will help you protect your feet during cardio exercises. Running alone won’t make your feet strong enough. Before you start your workout, make sure to stretch and move your feet individually. This not only helps prevent pain during the workout but also strengthens the individual muscles in your feet.
People with weak feet are more likely to experience chronic ankle instability and other problems like neuromas, inflammation, or stress fractures. Runner’s World has highlighted some effective foot-specific stretches and exercises you can do at home with little or no equipment.
These exercises can be done before or after your cardio workout. Try all of them to see which ones help reduce your foot pain.
Your feet are the foundation of your body and your cardio workout, so take care of them by investing in the right footwear. Look for shoes that enhance stability and offer pain relief, especially if you have conditions like Morton’s neuroma, hammertoe, or plantar fasciitis.
Before choosing a pair of shoes, know your foot size and type. As you get older, your foot size might increase by about half a size, and women who have had children often go up a whole size. It’s also important to know whether your feet are flat or have high arches so you can choose shoes that offer the right support and comfort.
Sweating is a natural part of cardio workouts, but good hygiene is key to preventing bacterial growth on your feet. If you use a public shower after your workout, make sure to wear waterproof sandals or flip-flops to avoid fungal and bacterial infections.
Here are some general tips for good foot hygiene if you regularly do cardio workouts:
1. Listen to your feet. If you experience unusual aches and pains, stop your workout.
2. Don’t push through the pain. Allow time for recovery before starting your next cardio session to avoid serious injuries.
Keeping your feet healthy requires effort and preventative measures. Follow this guide to start taking better care of your feet and help you reach your fitness goals without setbacks.