How to improve your posture through your feet?

Not only your back responsible for holding your posture! Everything in our body is connected and the position of your feet is critical for maintaining good posture. Our feet are the foundation for the whole body. If the foot posture changes, it creates a knock-off effect from the feet up which affects the muscular and skeletal posture of the body. When your feet are properly aligned, it helps to distribute your weight evenly and stabilize your body, which reduces stress on your joints and muscles. Poor foot alignment, on the other hand, can lead to imbalances in your posture, causing pain and discomfort in various parts of your body. 

How can your feet affect your posture?

According to a 2009 study done by the American Podiatric Medical Association, the average person walks 8,000 to 10,000 steps in one day. Proper weight bearing surfaces not only give your body optimal postural alignment, they also prevent you from wasting energy standing upright. This is especially important if you are seeking an active lifestyle. With misaligned feet, all of this walking can be very hard on your body and spine, and ultimately alter the mechanics of your spine. 

For example, if you stand with your feet too close together, it can cause your hips to tilt forward, leading to an excessive arch in your lower back. This can result in lower back pain, as well as neck and shoulder pain. Similarly, standing with your feet too far apart can cause your hips to tilt backward, leading to a flattened lower back and poor spinal alignment. 

Overpronation is a very common problem among many people, and occurs when your feet roll inward, causing your arches to drop. The opposite problem, also known as supination, occurs when your feet roll outward, causing your arches to rise higher than they should. Often times, the arch of your foot can be the culprit for pain throughout your body. 

What is good foot position?

Proper foot positioning involves aligning your feet with your hips, keeping them shoulder-width apart, and distributing your weight evenly between both feet. This helps to maintain a neutral spine, with your shoulders and hips in line, reducing strain on your lower back and neck. When walking, it's also important to take small steps and roll your feet from heel to toe, which helps to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury.

How you can improve your posture through your feet.

Wear the Right Shoes

One of the most important things you can do to improve your posture is to wear the right shoes. Shoes that don't fit well or don't provide adequate support can cause problems with your feet, knees, hips, and back, leading to poor posture. Make sure your shoes fit properly, have good arch support, and are designed for the activity you're doing. For example, if you're running, choose shoes designed for running, and if you're standing for long periods, choose shoes with good cushioning and support.

Practice Foot Exercises

Strengthening your feet can improve your balance and help you maintain good posture. Here are some simple exercises you can do to strengthen your feet:

• Toe curls: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Curl your toes under your feet and hold for a few seconds, then release.
• Heel raises: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slowly rise up onto your toes. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels back down.
• Foot circles: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Lift one foot off the ground and rotate it in a circle, then switch to the other foot.

Stretch Your Feet

Stretching your feet can help to alleviate tension and tightness, which can contribute to poor posture. Here are some simple stretches you can do:

• Toe stretch: Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Lift one foot up and place the toes on the ground, keeping the heel raised. Gently press down on the toes with your hand until you feel a stretch, then switch to the other foot.
• Calf stretch: Stand facing a wall with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on the wall for support and step one foot back, keeping the heel on the ground. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in your calf, then switch to the other foot.

Use a Footrest

If you sit at a desk for long periods, using a footrest can help to alleviate pressure on your feet and improve your posture. A footrest can also help to reduce strain on your back and neck. Make sure the footrest is adjustable so that you can find the right height for your feet.

Stand and Walk Correctly

When you stand and walk, pay attention to your posture. Make sure your weight is evenly distributed on both feet, and your feet are hip-width apart. Keep your shoulders back and your chest lifted. When you walk, take small steps and roll your feet from heel to toe.

In conclusion, good posture is essential for our overall health and well-being, and it starts with our feet. By wearing the right shoes, practicing foot exercises, stretching your feet, using a footrest, and standing and walking correctly, you can improve your posture and reduce the risk of pain and injury. Incorporate these tips into your daily routine, and you'll notice a significant improvement in your posture and overall health.

Sources

https://www.kurufootwear.com/a/blog/best-foot-posture-correction-exercises

https://mass4d.com/blogs/articles/three-things-that-happen-when-your-foot-posture-improves

https://heelthatpain.com/correct-foot-posture/

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/ways-to-improve-your-posture-through-your-feet