When it comes to flexibility training and refining skills like front splits or middle splits, having a strong, beautiful point is essential. 

But achieving that perfect point takes more than just flexibility; it also requires foot strength and ankle mobility.

In this article, we’ll cover 6 effective exercises designed to strengthen your feet, improve your point, and enhance your overall flexibility practice.

The act of pointing your toes involves extending the ankle and aligning the foot to create a clean, elongated line. 

Beyond aesthetics, strong feet improve balance, stability, and overall athletic performance. Prolonged periods of sitting or lack of targeted exercises can weaken the small muscles in your feet, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility. 

Strengthening your feet not only enhances the visual appeal of your point but also supports injury prevention and functional movement.

Flex and Point Drill

This exercise strengthens the muscles in your feet and ankles, improving mobility and the articulation of your point. It also encourages full extension of the ankle while ensuring the toes stay in alignment.

To do it:

• Stand tall and use a wall or chair for balance if needed.
• Extend one leg forward and point your toes fully, focusing on lengthening through the entire foot.
• Flex the foot by pulling your toes back and dropping your heel slightly.
• Alternate between pointing and flexing for 5-10 repetitions. Keep your knee straight and your movements controlled.
• Switch legs and repeat.

Elevated Heel Raises with Knee Bend

This exercise strengthens the arches of the feet and targets the calves and ankles, which are essential for maintaining stability and creating a high-quality point.

To do it:

• Stand with your feet together. Slowly lift both heels off the ground, balancing on the balls of your feet.
• With heels lifted, bend your knees slightly while pushing your arches forward.
• Straighten your knees to return to a tall position and lower your heels with control.
• Repeat the sequence for 5-8 repetitions.

Top-of-Toe Stretch

This stretch is great for improving the flexibility of the tops of your feet, which is really important for achieving a beautiful line in your point. It also enhances ankle mobility.

To do it:

• Kneel on a soft surface and place the tops of your toes flat on the ground behind you.
• Slowly use your opposite foot to press down gently on the back of the ankle, increasing the stretch.
• For an added challenge, lift the knee of the stretching leg while keeping your toes extended.
• Hold the stretch for 10-15 seconds and release. Repeat on the other foot.

Towel Scrunches

Towel scrunches are an excellent way to strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet, which play a key role in supporting your arches and achieving a clean point.

To do it:

• Sit on a chair with a small towel placed under one foot.
• Use your toes to scrunch the towel toward you, keeping your heel on the ground.
• Release and repeat for 10–15 scrunches. Switch to the other foot.

Resistance Band Pointing

Using resistance bands adds extra tension to your pointing motion, helping to strengthen the muscles responsible for ankle and toe extension.

To do it:

• Sit on the floor with your legs extended in front of you.
• Loop a resistance band around the ball of one foot and hold the ends with your hands.
• Point your toes against the band’s resistance and slowly return to a flexed position.
• Repeat for 8-10 repetitions on each foot.

Toe Separations

This exercise strengthens the small muscles between your toes, improving overall foot control and articulation.

To do it:

• Sit in a comfortable position and place your feet flat on the ground.
• Spread your toes as wide as possible and hold the position for a few seconds.
• Relax and repeat for 10-12 repetitions.

Things to Consider

Foot strengthening isn’t something that happens overnight, so give yourself time and stay consistent. Practice these exercises a few times a week, and you'll start to see improvements in your point.

A couple of things to keep in mind: always warm up your feet and ankles before diving into these exercises. This will help avoid stiffness and make your routine more effective. 

Similarly, don't forget to stretch your ankles, it's a great way to complement the strengthening work you're doing.

And, of course, be patient! Building foot strength and flexibility takes time, but it’s totally worth it when you see those results, better points, improved performance, and overall mobility.

Get Started with STRETCHIT

If you’re ready to unlock the perfect point, STRETCHIT is here to guide you. 

With personalized programs and expert-led routines, you’ll be on your way to stronger, more elegant lines in no time, as well as better all-round flexibility and mobility. 

Download the STRETCHIT app today and kickstart your flexibility journey.