I have arthritis in my left ankle but even before that became a problem I could not balance on that foot. I broke it while skiing when I was 17( 5 decades ago-ugh!) so Im wondering if this is all due to that injury. I am much better while wearing sneakers but bare foot is extremely difficult! My right foot is is great.
Yes that could have something to do with it. While you should always clear it with your doctor first, even pointing and flexing your ankle and foot while seated could improve your flexibility and mobility in your ankle.
I don't think I ever asked you this: Are you a certified holistic health coach?
You give such great advice, I'm curious about your background. And. I noted you're a personal trainer. You should write an e-book for seniors, what exercises with modifications to include, and so forth. I am constantly searching for a good book.
Years ago I found Younger-Next-Year-Living-Beyond and did a number of exercises from it, but after a while (a few years) got bored with it and haven't found anything as comprehensive since.
Hi Patti. I’m a Board certified health and wellness coach in addition to being a certified personal trainer, and certified fitness instructor (not bragging; just that I think it’s important because so many people call themselves coaches and trainers without any training or credentials).
I’ve thought about writing a book. I’m so happy to know that you’ve found my posts helpful. I would like to write a book.
Maybe when I actually finally retire from practicing law, I’ll have time to do that. Right now, I’m focused on my Substack and building a program for postmenopausal women (more to come on that soon; I hope). I also am the Wellness Coordinator for the workplace wellness program at my law firm. This keeps me pretty busy.
Health and wellness and helping people increase their health spans is my passion. Post menopausal women are given short shrift and that’s why I’m directing my focus there. Also, being one myself, I can relate to the myriad struggles we face.
No, Daria, mentioning your certification isn’t boasting at all. I’ve encountered plenty of personal trainers who claim to be “certified,” and sometimes I have to wonder—by whom?
You’re doing a fantastic job with your Substack!
Thanks for sharing more detail about yourself. You're spot on about postmenopausal women. It can and should be a beautiful time in our lives... but navigating the changes are most times through murky waters with little help from the medical community.
Thanks Patti! My personal trainer certification is through the American College of Sports Medicine, and my coaching certification is through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. When I do something, I want to do it right and get the best credential available (now I’m boasting :) ).
This is great, Daria. I include ankle strengthening in many of the yoga classes that I teach. Mobility and stability are equally important as we age. Thanks for this run down!
Thanks! Coming from you that's a very high compliment.
I thought of you after I wrote this. I know you have a lot of pose information and video on your Substack. In the future, I'll be sure to check and link to your content, which is amazing!
I have arthritis in my left ankle but even before that became a problem I could not balance on that foot. I broke it while skiing when I was 17( 5 decades ago-ugh!) so Im wondering if this is all due to that injury. I am much better while wearing sneakers but bare foot is extremely difficult! My right foot is is great.
Yes that could have something to do with it. While you should always clear it with your doctor first, even pointing and flexing your ankle and foot while seated could improve your flexibility and mobility in your ankle.
Thank you! I have noticed recently my ankles are more likely to feel twisted unexpectedly when stepping quickly. I appreciate the strengthening tips.
You’re welcome, Rebecca! I think our ankles and feet get short shrift, which is amazing since they carry the weight of our bodies.
I don't think I ever asked you this: Are you a certified holistic health coach?
You give such great advice, I'm curious about your background. And. I noted you're a personal trainer. You should write an e-book for seniors, what exercises with modifications to include, and so forth. I am constantly searching for a good book.
Years ago I found Younger-Next-Year-Living-Beyond and did a number of exercises from it, but after a while (a few years) got bored with it and haven't found anything as comprehensive since.
Great article on ankles, but the way. :)
Hi Patti. I’m a Board certified health and wellness coach in addition to being a certified personal trainer, and certified fitness instructor (not bragging; just that I think it’s important because so many people call themselves coaches and trainers without any training or credentials).
I’ve thought about writing a book. I’m so happy to know that you’ve found my posts helpful. I would like to write a book.
Maybe when I actually finally retire from practicing law, I’ll have time to do that. Right now, I’m focused on my Substack and building a program for postmenopausal women (more to come on that soon; I hope). I also am the Wellness Coordinator for the workplace wellness program at my law firm. This keeps me pretty busy.
Health and wellness and helping people increase their health spans is my passion. Post menopausal women are given short shrift and that’s why I’m directing my focus there. Also, being one myself, I can relate to the myriad struggles we face.
Thank you again for your kind words!
No, Daria, mentioning your certification isn’t boasting at all. I’ve encountered plenty of personal trainers who claim to be “certified,” and sometimes I have to wonder—by whom?
You’re doing a fantastic job with your Substack!
Thanks for sharing more detail about yourself. You're spot on about postmenopausal women. It can and should be a beautiful time in our lives... but navigating the changes are most times through murky waters with little help from the medical community.
Can't wait for your book to be published.
Thanks Patti! My personal trainer certification is through the American College of Sports Medicine, and my coaching certification is through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching. When I do something, I want to do it right and get the best credential available (now I’m boasting :) ).
Love teaching people about their ankles. Great info here!
Thank you Vas! Feet and ankles are so important to our mobility and are often neglected. It’s wonderful that you teach people about this too.
This is great, Daria. I include ankle strengthening in many of the yoga classes that I teach. Mobility and stability are equally important as we age. Thanks for this run down!
Thanks! Coming from you that's a very high compliment.
I thought of you after I wrote this. I know you have a lot of pose information and video on your Substack. In the future, I'll be sure to check and link to your content, which is amazing!
Thank you! I don't have anything specifically about the ankles, but I could... I will keep you posted!