Pilates Apparatus for the Feet

We are making our way through all of the apparatus in this blog series, and next up is the Pilates apparatus for the feet. In fact, there are three of them! Much like the other apparatuses, the ones for your feet work out your whole body when you’re using them correctly. Our feet do so much for us, and these little gadgets will give them some tender-loving care while also improving other areas of your Pilates practice. 

The Toe Corrector

This is one of the smallest Pilates apparatuses, and goes by a few names. Its “official” name is the tensometer, but is also known as the toe corrector or the toe gizmo. I love this one (I know, I know – I say that about so many of the apparatuses!). It has two vinyl loops that attach to a metal/wire diamond-shaped structure with hinges, and a spring in the middle. I’ve also seen some that are just the two loops attached by a spring. At its simplest, you can even make your own version using a thick elastic, like the ones found on vegetables like broccoli. A silicone wristband works great, too. 

How to Use the Toe Corrector

There are multiple exercises that can be done with the toe corrector. You can work on each individual toe by putting the loop over the pad of the end of the toe, lifting the toe with the apparatus and continuing to gently pull up on the apparatus as you use the strength of your toe (and foot) to put your toe back on the ground. This works each toe, but you will also feel this up into the foot, calf, and shin. Since you will be sitting with a tall spine, you’ll also be working your core and glutes. 

Then there are other exercises that involve spreading the toes apart, flexing, pointing, and circling the feet. Another way to use the toe corrector is by adding it to the mat work to find engagement in your glutes and outer hips. These are areas that you don’t always realize you need to be using, but once you do, there are Pilates exercises that suddenly become more achievable or controlled. 

The toe corrector offers strength, stretch, and mobility, and the work is surprisingly more difficult than you may expect. This particular Pilates apparatus for the feet is excellent for foot issues like plantar fasciitis and bunions, and to relieve foot and toe pain due to tight fitting or narrow shoes, high heels, dance shoes, etc. It also relieves calf tightness. 

The Foot Corrector

You guessed it – this Pilates apparatus for the feet is for your whole foot. It’s also quite small, with a base made of metal or wood. An elevated half-bar spans the width of the base, about ⅓ of the way from the back. The bar is connected to the base with two springs. From a tall, standing position, you push down on the bar with one foot. As you can imagine, this takes strength and control of your foot, leg, and even your core. 

How to Use the Foot Corrector

You work from the ball of the foot, arch, heel, and then the full foot, similar to how the footwork is done on the reformer. I’ve also attended workshops where we used two foot correctors at once while using a wall to help us maintain our posture. It’s amazing how such a small movement can be so challenging. 

The Pilates 2×4

This apparatus is literally a lightly upholstered 2×4 that is about 18” long. You can purchase these from Pilates equipment manufacturers but can also easily make your own. This apparatus is also used standing up and will challenge your balance. That means your core gets a big-time workout! If balance is a challenge for you, try using a pole (like a broomstick) to help stabilize you. 

How to Use the 2×4

From your tall, standing position, you stand on the balls of your feet at the edge of the apparatus. Imagine standing on the edge of a stair, lowering and lifting your heels to give the calves and soles of the feet a great stretch while building leg strength. This is just one of the exercises that we do on the 2×4.  If you know the reformer work, you’ll know that this is the same as the tendon stretch exercise that happens at the end of the footwork. And yes, you can do the full reformer footwork on this apparatus. It’s basically doing squats from the balls of the feet, then the arches, and finally from the heels, all while balancing on the 2×4. 

Why Use the Pilates Apparatus for the Feet?

You know I’m going to say that everyone should try these small-but-mighty apparatuses! Everyone can benefit, but they are especially great at relieving (and preventing) foot pain. A few years ago I had plantar fasciitis and a heel spur, and all of this footwork was a huge part of what helped me get better. I needed to build strength, stretch, and improve my mobility. These all helped with that. And now whenever my calves feel the slightest bit tight, I return to these exercises. 

I tell myself that I should do foot exercises every day… I don’t, but I should! Maybe I’ll set a goal of doing it 3x a week and see how I feel.