Wiggle Your Big Toe

Breathing heavy and looking distressed in the back seat of a truck, Uma Thurman’s character recites, “Wiggle your big toe”. Starting with the basics, and thirteen hours later, she re-awakens her strength. Now, in full control of her faculties and all of the phalanges - she emerges barefoot, taking a few tender steps to then slide into the drivers seat, and races off to the next scene. 

Under less strenuous circumstances have you trained your feet with intention for thirteen seconds, minutes, or hours?

As early as six o’clock in the morning, when some little piggies are off going to market, the gym and others may be sleeping at home — Uma’s look-alike, Lauryn and I often ask the same things to our students in the studio, “wiggle your big toe.” Sometimes, the training cue results in a stare down, between eyes, foot and brain. Other times its a silly face or subconscious tongue wag, and the amazement how something so simple is so challenging. But, why is it important?

Circulation - Muscles are like pumps and when they contract, they need to be re-fueled to maintain cell health and optimal function. Increase the demand of the muscles and components of the feet to increase their priority to receive nutrients, and the removal of waste. Minimize the risks of circulatory illness by starting to wiggle the big (and small) toes. 

Connection - Hiding under socks, or shoes, our feet may be easy to forget. Improve the control of the body by improving your awareness and simply using them. Toes transition to the feet, and feet to ankles and-so-on up the chain of the lower limbs. Share the load on the hips and knees by practicing skills to keep the feet both supple and strong.

Coordination - Attend to training your balance by learning how to apply tension to the ground for stability, and how to efficiently move from static positions with strength and purpose. Some exercise skills require us to root our feet heavily into the ground, while others command pointed toes. Improve both by starting with the the simple wiggle.

In addition to training the feet, this scene brings about another interesting theme regarding exercise and wellness. Only you, can move you. We can suggest our favourite exercise delights, but — only you have the capacity to 

So, this week — create some wiggle room in your everyday routine, and start by checking in with your toes. Learn to contract and tense the toes, and be rewarded with longevity in your favourite lifestyle activities by starting with,  De-feet.