Feet are often underappreciated.

We dont think much about them until they hurt or give us problems.

But they are of course crucial to getting us around and keeping us balanced.

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Your feet carry your body through life.

But taking proper care of your feet will bring very many benefits.

A weak foot reduces your stability and balance, which increases your chances of falling.

closeup of a foot on top of a ball rolling on the ground

Why feet become weaker

There are many reasons why foot mobility naturally declines in older adults.

Below, Deutchman and Burgard describe 10 super-efficient foot mobility exercises.

So grab a chair or mat and boost your balance and foot strength with these moves.

animated gif showing a woman seated in a chair holding one foot straight out and doing ankle circles

Try these 10 foot mobility exercises

1.

Ankle circles

Ankle circles are a great way of improving your ankle mobility.

Step 2: Repeat the move on the same feet in the counterclockwise direction.

animated gif closeup on two feet standing and raising only the big toes

Step 3: Perform the move five times in each direction.

Toe pulls

Toe pulls are an excellent way of building foot control and stabilizing your pace when walking.

Step 2: Now try repeating the move with each of your other toes.

animation of woman standing next to a wall with one arm leaning against it for support she is raising up on her toes

Step 3: Aim to lift each toe five times.

Heres how to do them: