Ankle-strengthening exercises aren't given as much attention at the gym as quad workouts, but as Steve Stonehouse — NASM CPT, USATF-certified run coach, and director of education for— explains, weak ankles could negatively impact the"human movement system" — and therefore lead to injuries.
"The kinetic chain concept specifies that every part of your body works together and nothing works in isolation," Stonehouse said."If your feet and ankles aren't strong enough, it will surely lead to impairments in that human movement system — either at the foot and ankle complex or somewhere up 'the chain.
Acknowledging the impact that running puts on the body will also help put the importance of ankle strength and the kinetic chain into perspective."While you're running, you spend 99 percent of your time on one foot," Stonehouse explained."That's important because we all know running creates a lot of impact on your body, but especially since one leg or foot is absorbing all that impact.
Standing on a step on one leg, push up onto your toes, then lower down until your heel is slightly below the step.Walking on Your ToesRepeat for three sets.Jumping Jacks