Skip to main content
. 2016 Dec;11(7):1106–1124.

Lower Leg Strengthening Exercises

Foot Arch Exercise (‘doming’)
Instruction:
Press the underneath side of the small knuckles of the toes down into the floor, making the main knuckles closest to the foot raise up like a dome. The toes need to stay long and straight, without curling under.
graphic file with name ijspt-11-1106-if001.jpg
Towel grab with toes
Instruction:
Curl a towel in the pointed direction, only using the toes.
graphic file with name ijspt-11-1106-if002.jpg
Toe spreading
Instruction:
Spread all toes as far as possible and hold for a few seconds.
graphic file with name ijspt-11-1106-if003.jpg
Calf raises
Instruction:
Lift the heels until standing on the toes
graphic file with name ijspt-11-1106-if004.jpg
Example of a training schedule (every second or third day):
Week Frequency Doming Towel grab Toe spreading Calf raises
1 2x 10 reps 3 x 5 reps 5 reps 3 x 5 reps
2 2x 13 reps 3 x 8 reps 8 reps 3 x 8 reps
3 3x 13 reps 3 x 8 reps 8 reps 3 x 8 reps
4 3x 15 reps 3 x 13 reps 10 reps 3 x 13 reps