When you think about balance, your first thought might be your core or your legs, but have you ever thought about your feet? These small but powerful structures are the foundation for everything above them. If your feet are not stable, the rest of your body has to work harder to stay upright.

Each foot has over 30 joints, supported by layers of muscles, tendons and fascia. These parts help you adjust to uneven ground, shift weight and feel where your body is in space. This sense of awareness is called proprioception, and it starts with your contact to the ground.

Here is why foot control matters:

• Strong, mobile feet create a stable base, improving balance and posture.
• Weak or stiff feet limit your ability to adjust, forcing your ankles, knees and hips to compensate.
• Better foot awareness supports better movement everywhere else.

You can improve foot strength and control with simple steps:

• Practise standing barefoot and gently gripping the floor with your toes.
• Do balance exercises slowly and mindfully, noticing how your weight shifts.
• Include foot mobility work, like toe lifts or rolling the foot on a ball.

Balance is not just about the big muscles. It is about the small, often overlooked parts too. Strengthening your feet helps your whole body feel more grounded, stable and supported.