The One-Minute Foot Fix (That Isn’t a £200 Orthotic)

### Try This Simple Pilates Move at Home   By Marcia Kilgore   By now, most of us know better than to wear shoes that punish us for having feet and have graduated from the “beauty is pain” brigade to join the enlightened masses. We now understand that healthy arches and proper alignment aren’t niche concerns—they’re non-negotiables.   Still, life happens. Weddings, work trips, or that night in Madrid when you wore heels because you thought the hotel was around the corner and it absolutely was not.   And so, even the most foot-forward among us sometimes feel the familiar hello again of tight calves, aching heels, or the dull grumble of what Dr. Google lovingly refers to as plantar fasciitis.   So, for anyone muttering “why do my heels hurt when I get out of bed?” or ChatGPT-ing “Pilates for foot pain” between Zoom calls, here’s a quick, chic solution from our friends at Blanc Space Pilates to weave into your everyday:   1. **Stand tall.** 2. **Rise up onto your tiptoes.** 3. **Slowly lower back down.** 4. **Repeat 10 times.**   That’s it. One minute, no mat or gear, nor a neon-clad instructor whispering “engage your core” like a threat.   This simple move helps wake up your feet and calves to improve balance and gently boost circulation. It's particularly great in the morning before your first coffee, or post-shower (on a bathmat, of course) with a towel still wrapped around your head, like you're in a Nancy Meyers film.   It’s strength training for your feet, a daily micro-massage, and importantly, a moment of calm.   While it won’t erase every trace of a stilettos-and-too-much sangria night, it will offer relief.   Because, yes, one sometimes has to wear heels (in between FitFlop heels, which really look like heels but feel like sneakers). If that’s you, make sure you try this simple step.