I’m a Teacher Trainer for the willPower Method, a barefoot fitness program that people around the world are falling in love with.  It’s intense and uplifting, and crazy good things start to happen when you take off your shoes and train your feet.

I think of it this way:

Training your feet is like upgrading from coach to First Class.  You enjoy more room, more comfort, and a more pleasurable ride.  Train your feet and you’ll score all kinds of perks, like improved athletic performance, better balance and agility, and feet that feel good to walk on.

It’s easy to get started.

Step 1: Take off your shoes and socks.  Give your toes some fresh air and room to stretch.

Step 2: Lift your toes. . . Lower them.  Now put on your favorite song and repeat your toe lifts for the duration of the song.  You can do this seated, or standing. (Movement improves function, strength and flexibility.)

Step 3: Massage your calves.  You can use a foam roller, a can of soup, a Trigger Point roller, or one of those stick thingies with the plastic rings.  Tight, contracted calves interfere with you entire kinetic chain and can cause Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and a host of other troubles.  Massage effectively relaxes, releases and lengthens the tissue, causing a positive chain reaction in your legs and feet.

Training your feet is like training any other part of your body.  It takes practice, but over time your body (including your feet!) can change — becoming more functional and more pleasurable to live with.

Since you’re here, you’ve already got the idea.  You’re well on your way!