Best exercises for weightless and weak ankles

[blueberrymuffin]

I have flat feet and wear special insoles and get ankle pain. I'm trying to up my weight loss and so my exercise regime but don't know what to do. I do walk but that's not enough I think. Running is not an option imo coz it will stress my ankles. Any ideas? I can't swim and even if I could I've seen a couple of friends who took up serious swimming who ended up with bulky shoulders and I just hate that look sorry Finally, I live in a busy city so cycling isn't really an option - crazy traffic I'd fear for my life.

 

I'm not really a gym person and I wouldn't know where to start with the machines anyway. I love being outdoors and I'd like to do outdoor things to get fit. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe a sport or something? Living in a big city means lots going on. Does anybody know of sports or activities that are physically demanding and would aid weight loss and toning up but that is not stressful on the ankle and feet.

[Maleficent]

Roller derby has strengthened my ankles a lot.

 

That being said, what I think helped wasn't the skating as much as the footwork but you could give skating a try.

[genuinelyloverly7]

My ex had flat feet, and had orthotics for it and everything. Then he started practicing Bikram Yoga. It strengthened his foot muscles enough so that he stopped wearing his inserts, GREW AN ARCH, and got ripped. It also did loads for his … stamina… ahem. I lose weight on it (more quickly when I eat well, of course) when I practice consistently (3-6 times a week). It is very well known by pro-athletes for injury recovery, and strength training.

 

If you can't find a class in your area, go and order the CD online, and practice in your bathroom. You can look up how to create the needed atmosphere online. But really you want to find a teacher to help you get the poses right, and to work through your mental resistance, which is what makes this work so well, and helps your body grow into its best possible form. But any yoga (I prefer hot yoga as it assists in the stretching) is good yoga for getting more flexible and that helps your muscles do anything else you are trying to do, better. I would't do anything so ankle-dependant as roller skating or soccer (I play, so I know). But maybe another option would be pool exercises or walking in water or sand.

 

Good luck

[FitChick]

If you run a mile you will burn the same number of calories as walking a mile, only it will take you less time. Walking is fine as long as you don't just stroll. Walk briskly. That's the only cardio I do. Increase the distance over time. Cutting calories has more to do with weight loss.