Why I Care About Your Feet: The Foundation of Movement
You might be asking yourself, “Why does she care so much about my feet?” The answer is simple: your feet are incredibly important! This principle is deeply rooted in the teachings of Joseph Pilates, who recognized the critical role that feet play in overall movement. He developed several pieces of equipment specifically designed to train and strengthen the feet, including the toe corrector and foot corrector, and even incorporated footwork into larger apparatus like the Reformer and Wunda Chair.
The Importance of Footwork
In my experience, starting a workout with foot exercises—whether it's using specialized equipment or simply a spiky ball—helps to prime the entire body for movement. Our feet are home to thousands of nerve endings, yet they often remain neglected, trapped in restrictive footwear or stationary under desks. As a result, we miss out on vital circulation, balance, and awareness. When I begin a session with a new client, I pay close attention to their footwork. It often gives me valuable insights into what to expect from their movements throughout the workout.
Many of my clients used to come in feeling stressed and rushed, especially for the later evening classes, often bringing the weight of their day into the studio. By grounding them with foot exercises, I helped them reconnect with their bodies. The little adjustments and drills we perform with the feet can have a significant impact on how the rest of the body moves. Everything is interconnected; a change in foot power can be reflected all the way up to the hips, spine, and even shoulders.
The Connection Between Feet and Overall Health
This might sound surprising, but I've seen chronic shoulder pain improve simply by focusing on foot health. The feet are our foundation for movement. They support our balance and connect us to the ground, which is essential for any physical activity.
On a personal level, my journey has been shaped by my own foot challenges. I inherited hypermobility, and over the years, my autoimmune condition, lupus, has led to deformities in my feet and hands, including severe bunions. Now, after three decades of dealing with these issues, I face osteoarthritis in my feet and am considering corrective surgery—not to enhance aesthetics, but to simply maintain functionality and independence for the rest of my life.
Experiencing these challenges has reinforced my belief in the importance of foot health for overall mobility. Many elderly people face restrictions in how far they can walk or how long they can stand, often due to neglected foot health. When clients come to me with back pain or knee injuries, my first step is to evaluate their feet. This doesn’t mean their issues will be resolved by focusing solely on footwork, but it's where we start.
My Passion for Feet
Through my years of practice, I’ve become somewhat of a “foot nerd” with a specific passion for footwork. The results I’ve witnessed from real foot performance training have been remarkable. Feet are not just the base of our physical structure; they are fundamental to how we move. They truly are my favorite ingredient in fitness! While for example breath is essential (and most definitely another favorite topic) it comes in a close second to the feet.
It´s why I chose the name “Groundwork.” I believe that groundwork encompasses both footwork and Pilates as a discipline. The fundamental skills and qualities of movement begin with the feet; they are the starting point from which everything blossoms.
A Lasting Focus on Feet
I can confidently say this will not be my last post about feet. The more I explore and understand their importance, the more I am committed to sharing that knowledge. So the next time you step onto the mat or into the studio, remember: the journey to better movement begins at your feet!