Weak ankles are nothing new to me. Having been a tennis player, rolling your ankle is very common. At an early age, I learned what a sprained ankle feels like and how important tennis shoes were. The better the shoes, the more your ankle was stabilized which decreased your chances of rolling your ankle on the court.
However, I have seemed to forget my ankle awareness in the last couple of weeks. Lately, when I have been running or working out, I have noticed that my ankles are very flexible, and to anyone that surfs, runs or practice yoga, ankle strength and stability is very important.
So fast forward to this morning; early this morning. I woke up out of a deep sleep to take the dog outside. As I was walking down my stairs, my ankle rolled and I fell onto my landing. Now, it’s only two little stairs so I didn’t fall far, more embarrassing than anything. My first thought, as with anything I injury, is I broke my ankle. After getting up, I noticed that wasn’t the case, just an old fashioned rolled ankle.
As I sit here writing this post and elevating my ankle, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’m doing everything I can for ankle strength. After some Google searching, I am not even doing exercises for ankle strength. I found some single leg exercises to start incorporating into my daily routine.
And just to add, I wouldn’t say I’m a clumsy person, but rather a person who goes barefoot a lot and therefore that increases your chances of foot injury. My grandfather always did tell everyone to put on shoes 😁.
Readers, do you strengthen your ankles? If you do what exercises do you practice?
~Namaste
Scrappy Surfing Yogi
Ouch!!!!! Sorry to hear about that! 😔
Several years ago, I had to go though double ligament repair surgery on my ankle after years of ballet, ice skating, and surfing. I’m also hyper flexible after those years with the ballet company, so that didn’t help matters. I can turn my feet almost completely backwards- a fun stupid human trick…😳
During my physical therapy, I used a half balance ball (Bosu) to build up strength in my ankles. I still use it now, but I need to get my lazy ass back to yoga at some point (no more Bikram tho! 😝)
I also use light hand weights (5-10 lbs) and simply hold those while balancing on one foot.
I refuse to use an Indo Board though- I like my sliding glass doors 😂😂😂
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That’s a pretty good human trick! These are all great ideas! I do have a balance board as well so I probably need to increase the workout on it, since I just stand on the board without it moving at this point. Funny thing is yesterday I did squats on it. I was reading about holding weights and balance on the foot. 🙂
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I made this a while back, it’s easier than the Bosu, especially if you’re just starting recovery:
https://craftysurf.com/2011/09/02/the-easiest-balance-board-youll-ever-make/
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Oh that’s cool! I might have to make that…I really don’t wanna buy a Bosu lol
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It also takes up a lot less space! I’ve been using it for years now, just got the Bosu recently for a bigger challenge, but the DIY board has been just as effective in helping my ankles, honestly 🤙
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Looks great! I like the fact that you balance using the knob instead of air…truthfully I use Bosu balls more for abs and arms 😁
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