Pump It Up!

by: AndreaDow
Total views: 443
Word Count: 319

Sunday, November 25th

Are you planning your outfits for upcoming holiday parties? Do those outfits involve some fabulous heels? Do your low-back or calves bother you after wearing those kickin' heels? If you answered yes to any of the above questions, read about how to save your legs and back with a simple stretch while still dressing in style.

I do not wear heels very often and even when I do, I am not usually sore in my legs or back the next day. Well that all changed when I got pregnant and started feeling a change in my posture and center of gravity. I now understand the pain that heel wearers endure! I truly cannot imagine sporting high heels on a daily basis and have to wonder what kind of chronic pain those chronic heel wearers will face in the future.

Here is an easy stretch that can be done anywhere that will help ease the pain of "post-high-heel-party-syndrome". According to Jaleh Hoorfar, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, the two muscles that join the Achilles tendon in the back of the heel can actually shorten over time with lack of stretching and wearing high heels on a daily basis. The exercise he suggests will improve posture, help prevent varicose veins and increase circulation to the affected muscles. Best of all, this stretch can be standing whether you are barefoot, wearing gym shoes or high heels.

Writer Rachel Bertshce describes Hoorfar's stretch below:

Stand tall with your weight on your left foot, slightly bend the right leg.
Dig your left heel into the ground and lift your toes off the floor towards your shin.
Hold the stretch for a few seconds and then return to your regular standing position.
Do 10 repetitions and repeat the above sequence on the other leg.

Of course, continue your Pilates routine to help keep your body balanced and aligned and your muscles working optimally with minimal effort!

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