Anna here! Today we will apply the neuromuscular rewiring we learned last week (and being able to move our big toes) and now we’ll start strengthening our feet with both concentric and eccentric control.
The flexor hallucis longus (your long, big toe flexor muscle) is one of the main muscles that supports the function of the medial longitudinal arch (the arch that runs along the inside of your foot) and is key for setting up your calves and glutes for a good push-off when walking.
A history of ankle sprains or hip pain often results from missing this connection to your big toe. This affects how extension and push-off happens (or doesn’t happen) through the hips and pelvis, which is important in pelvic floor and diastasis recovery.
If you notice while doing this exercise that your big toe likes to join the other piggies, you can explore pulling the band toward the midline to encourage the big toe to stay put, or pull the band toward the other toes for some feedback to pull against to help it stay in the middle. Don’t forget to try a heel wedge on the inside or outside of your heel and maybe under the base of your big toe to help set it up for success.
Next week we’ll expand upon this connection and progress into further function through exploring calf raises, so stay tuned!
Did you know I teach online:
Online Continuing Education for Fitness and Health Professionals
PCES - Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
www.coreexercisesolutions.com/postpartum-corrective-exercise-specialist/
Comprehensive online program to help women correct pelvic floor issues, diastasis recti, and more
www.coreexercisesolutions.com
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