What is a Toe Gizmo?

In some of my recent social media posts, I’ve been talking about something called the toe gizmo. Also known as a toe corrector or toe tensometer, it is one of the smaller devices that Joseph Pilates designed and used with his students. 

Pilates spends a lot of time focusing on your feet, how you are standing on them, and their position during exercises. That is because our feet are our base, and we don’t give them enough attention. We are on them throughout the day, standing, walking, and exercising. Add uncomfortable or poor-fitting shoes, and your feet can become tight and less mobile. Your feet can even get larger due to your arches dropping. It is no wonder we suffer from foot pain, distorted toes, and bunions. 

The toe tensometer is used to help you build strength in your feet and in each individual toe. Believe it or not, when you are “working out” your toes, you can feel your glutes and core working, too. Use the toe gizmo to build strength in your arches and toes, while you also work on foot and ankle mobility.

What Does a Toe Tensometer Look Like?

This toe gizmo is from Balanced Body, but many other companies make them, like Gratz and Pilates Designs. You can find toe correctors in different spring weights, as well. If you want to start working your feet out right away, you can even make your own! All you need to make your own is two silicone wristbands, or two thick elastics (like the ones that come on broccoli).

How Do You Use a Toe Gizmo?

Some things are best shown, so I have been sharing my own toe gizmo videos on Facebook and Instagram. Here are a few YouTube videos as well: 

• The Pilates Toe Tensometer with Lori Coleman Brown
• The Pilates Toe Gizmo This video shows exercises with a homemade toe gizmo

In less than ten minutes a day, your feel will soon feel more relaxed, stronger, and less achy. Not bad for such a tiny little device!