Why You Need To Flex Your Ankles
Why You Need To Flex Your Ankles!
Flexing your ankles maters.
When you do a squat for example, "flexing your feet up" activates the whole posterior muscle chain in a very active and efficient way. It will help you fire your calves, hamstrings, glutes and back on each repetition.
Here is how to get started on better ankle dorsiflexion
-Self myofascial release on the foam roller: Roll up and down your calf and Achilles’ tendon for 1 minute. Focus on tender spots for 15-20 sec when you hit some.
-Plantar muscle release: use a PVC or wood stick or ball to roll your feet. Step on it one foot at a time. Roll as needed.
-Wall knee flexions: start in narrow lunge position with your front toes about 1 inch from the wall and aim to make contact with the wall with your knee while keeping your front heel anchored to the floor.
If your front heel comes up then move your foot forward a bit and adjust the distance between your toes and the wall. If it feels to easy, step back a little. Try to improve the distance over time.
Aim for 3 to 5 reps each legs, pause 3 sec on last rep, repeat 3 sets.
- All glutes and hip extension movements: jump squats, glute bridges, hamstrings curls and more.
- Calf and Tibialis raises
There are many other techniques available depending on what your weak areas are. Make sure to make deeper research to find what suits you best.
Use dorsiflexion as much as you can while training calisthenics such as squats and push ups or any isometric hold.
It goes without saying that you also need to work and practice the antagonist movement which is pointing your toes!
