In Chinese medicine we are told that ‘we grow old from the feet up’, and it appears to be true! So when it comes to the Summer, and exposing our feet, we should do more than rub on some cream or paint our toe nails to make sure our feet are summer ready!
When our feet start having problems (bunions, corns, halgus toe, hammer toes, plantar fasciitis etc) it changes the way we stand, walk, run and jump and will have an impact on the muscles, joints and tissues above, it will also change our posture and increase our risk of injury, aches pains and wear and tear. Poor posture and gait is incredibly aging for our appearance (and indeed our body systems) where as standing our full height, walking and moving with grace, fluidity and ease will make us look more youthful, feel healthier and assist improved body function – making life easier, more comfortable and less fatiguing.
Nurture your Feet
At this time of year we often ditch the shoes and sling on some Flip Flops which (apart from around the pool or on the beach) aren’t suitable for constant wear. To prevent our flip flops from sliding of our feet we ‘claw’ our toes thus preventing the muscles of the feet, shins and calves lengthening and releasing in an elastic stretch, relax sort of way. It alters how we use our hips and spine too, so the effect is far reaching ( even up to our Jaw!).
Optimal foot position is with toes stretched and spread evenly, the full width of the foot is uncompromised, the natural arch of the foot is lifted ,strong and flexible and the inside and outside ankle bones are level, as illustrated in the image below when the foot is in neutral.
Ensure your feet are well supported in your shoes, sandals and sports trainers; keep the muscles of the feet, calves and shins flexible and strong with appropriate exercises for strength, endurance and stretching. Foam rolling and massage are very helpful – even essential. Keep the fancy high-heeled shoes and Flip Flops for special occasions and the beach.
Voting is extended…
…due to computer issues, the voting for The National Community Fitness awards has been extended. I do hope that you feel that you can vote for me as a finalist in the Contribution to Community Fitness category. Details below
Here’s the voting link if you want to go directly there…
Please return your requests
We will be putting together the Summer Timetable based upon your requests, currently it looks like I have 6 weeks off!
Please return asap
Many thanks
Well done Liberty!
Sarah, the liberty coaches, parents and gymnasts once again pulled off great performances at the Frimley Green carnivals and (after Tesco came to the rescue at the last minute when their lorry provider dropped out), their brilliantly decorated Float, the theme being saving the seas from plastic! They out did themselves with huge papier-mâché Orca wales, jelly fish, octopi, fish, nets, sea weed waves all hand made by the liberty family… it was brilliant.
Ema’s Offer…
Gut Friendly Coleslaw
Feeding our gut bacteria with prebiotic rich sauerkraut for optimal health – it’s tasty too!
Ingredients
- 2 large crisp apples e.g. Granny Smith
- 2 cups Sauerkraut (fermented in oil is best)
- 2 tbsp. sunflower seeds
- 2 tsp. olive oil
- ½ cup chopped salad onions
Instructions
Peel and core the apple, and chop or grate it finely. Mix the apple and sauerkraut together in a bowl until evenly mixed. Leave for a few minutes to let the juices and flavours blend. Add the remaining ingredients, Chill to serve cold.
Have a great week!
Luv ya,
Helen x
