Post-workout footcare: for feet feel good after the gym
There’s nothing like hitting the gym for busting tension and releasing feel-good endorphins, but how can you make sure your feet feel soft and fresh after you’ve been working up a sweat? And what about those yoga classes where your feet are going to be on display? Find out how to treat your feet right with our gym footcare tips.
Wash and dry thoroughly
Once you’ve finished your workout, be sure to give your feet a good wash and dry. Take the time to get in-between each toe and you might want to think about using an antifungal shoe spray if you’ve been walking around or working out. Check out our guide to looking after your feet at the pool for more insight into the kind of things to watch out for.
Change into fresh shoes
Once you’re done exercising and your feet are clean and dry, it’s time to slip into a different pair of shoes. The shoes you wear at the gym should be given time to dry out thoroughly between uses, to help discourage the growth of nasty bacteria. If you work out frequently, you may even need two pairs of gym shoes or trainers that you can alternate.
Apply antiperspirant when needed
Handy both before and after working out, antiperspirant offers a good way to help refresh your footwear. Our Fresh Step Antiperspirant spray works to give your shoes lasting odour protection and freshness without any residue, so you can change in and out of your gym shoes with confidence.
Keep your toenails neat
Trimming and maintaining your toenails makes it much harder for bacteria to linger. Give yourself a regular tidy up with our Toenail Clippers and make sure you have no sharp edges that might cause scratches or dig into your toes. This is also a good time to take a close look at your nails and the skin in-between your toes and look for any signs of irritation or infection. Our guide to a great at-home pedicure might help.
Check for calluses
If you enjoy a regular workout, you might find that your feet start to form calluses. These thickened areas of skin can sometimes cause irritation and a foot file like our Hard Skin Remover Foot File can help you buff away hard, callused skin. We also offer handy options like our Expert Care 2-in-1 File & Smooth Foot File which can quickly and easily exfoliate your skin and help you achieve soft and smooth feet.
Give your feet a good soak
Help ease tired muscles with a relaxing foot soak. Fill a basin with warm water and let your feet relax for between 10 and 20 minutes. Some people like to add Epsom salts or vinegar, but warm water can be beneficial all on its own. A foot soak is not only a nice way to relax muscles but can also improve circulation, which is good for reducing pain and swelling.
Moisturise frequently for softer feet
To keep your feet hydrated, be sure to drink plenty of water after exercising and try applying a moisturiser too. Our Hydration Boost for Dry Skin Foot Cream is suitable for daily application and is absorbed quickly, delivering essential moisture deep within the skin, leaving your feet feeling softer and revitalised. Why is it best to use a moisturiser made especially for your feet? Because the skin on your feet is up to 20 times thicker than regular skin!
Give yourself a massage
A nice foot massage can be a real treat when you’ve been working out and the good news is that you can do it yourself. Use your thumbs to rub the soles of your feet in a circular motion, applying as much pressure as feels good. You could also invest in a foot massage ball that you simply place on the floor and run your foot over.
Use a foot mask
A foot mask is a handy way to intensely hydrate your skin in one simple application. We have a full range of foot masks, perfect for treating dry skin or simply for helping your feet stay even softer. From our Dry Skin Foot Mask Fragrance & Colourants Free to our ExpertCare Foot Mask with Manuka Honey, there’s something to suit all preferences. And with a treatment time of only 20 minutes, a foot mask could help you perfectly pamper tired feet.
