The Stiletto Strut

Is strapping on your high heels for a good workout a class act or is it totally absurd?  I mean think about this, Dr. Scholl's has made ballet-like flats for women to actually put in there purse to change OUT of there heels post a night of dancing... you get it yet?  Heels are not that comfortable!  So why are we putting them on to dance and jump around.  Well it turns out that this type of workout is not just for burning calories but to help you build strength, stability, and control while walking in heels.  The first part is done in heels and you perform various dance moves and steps and often times the second part is done with tennis shoes where you do your typical leg exercises like squats and lunges. 

Many women are finding that strengthening your ankles and feet to feel more comfortable in heels is beneficial, but I do believe it comes at a price.  Not only is it negatively affecting the foot but it is also ruining some weight-bearing joints.  Wearing heels will literally put a lot of your weight and pressure onto the ball of your foot.  According to a New York Podiatrist, this will literally shorten your muscles and tendons in the back of your leg and put you at a greater risk for stress fractures, bunions, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.  While in heels, your body also puts more stress on the "C" curve of your spine, increasing pressure on your low back and hips.  Final conclusion... I think I'll keep wearing heels to special occasions.  I've added some great moves to increase strength in your feet, ankles, and legs and the best part, you can do them in your sneaks!

Footwork:

1.  Write the Alphabet in the air with your foot

2.  Pick up marbles or towels with your toes

Anklework:

1.  Single-leg Directional Hops (standing on one leg with the other knee at 90 degrees, start by hoping back, front, and then side to side)
2.  Single-leg Mountain Climbers (start in plank position, tuck one leg up to your chest, hop forward and back with the opposite foot, keeping weight on the toes)

Legwork:

1.  Three-point Lunges (in lunge position, first step back, together, front, together, side together)

2.  Single-leg Demi-squats on Bosu Ball (see picture)

3.  Sumo Squat Calf Raises (in wide squat stance with legs bent to 90 degrees, perform calf raises)

Do 3 sets of 12 exercises twice a week.  Complete after a long run or speedwork for maximum results and to prevent injuries.  I'd love to know what any of you think of the High Heel Workout Craze and if you'd try it!

oxox, Em