Why smarter movement beats harder movement

December has a way of changing how we move.​
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The ground feels different under our feet.
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Sidewalks get icy.
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Snow piles up where we least expect it.
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And suddenly, something we don’t usually think much about—our ankles—becomes very important.
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This time of year, I notice two things happening:

• People are walking a little more cautiously (for good reason).
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• And many of us are completely disconnected from how our ankles actually move and respond.
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So this week, I wanted to offer you a small gift of awareness.
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Not something fancy.
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Not something time-consuming.
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Just a simple way to reconnect with your ankles and support how you walk during this winter season.​

​Why the Ankles Matter (Especially Right Now)

Your ankles are constantly adapting—helping you balance, adjust to uneven surfaces, and respond when the ground surprises you (hello, black ice).
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But here’s the thing:
When we lose awareness or mobility around the ankle, the rest of the body has to compensate. That’s when slips feel scarier, steps feel uncertain, and confidence drops.
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A little attention goes a long way.

A Simple At-Home Trick (All You Need Is a Tennis Ball)

I just released a new Real Moves for Real Life YouTube video where I walk you through a very simple technique using… a tennis ball.
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That’s it.

In the video, I guide you through:

• Bringing awareness to the outer side of your lower leg (where important ankle-supporting muscles live)
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• Using gentle pressure and movement to create softness and connection
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• Noticing how that change travels all the way down into your ankle and foot
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This isn’t about forcing flexibility or “fixing” anything.
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It’s about waking up the system—especially the parts that help keep you steady when the ground is cold, icy, and unpredictable.
Many people are surprised by how much lighter or more connected their ankle feels afterward.

Think of This as Seasonal Self-Care

Just like we bundle up with scarves and boots, our movement needs a little extra care this time of year too.
Consider this:

• A few minutes of awareness before heading out for a walk
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• A simple practice you can do at home
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• A way to support confident, intentional steps all winter long
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That’s my gift to you this season.
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 Watch the YouTube video now and try it out at home.
(You don’t need to do it perfectly—just do it with curiosity.)
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This ankle awareness work is similar in spirit to what I’ll be exploring more deeply in my upcoming Move Smart, Feel Better webinar on Tuesday, January 13 at 9:00 am MST.​
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In that live session we’ll uncover the three keys to understanding and reducing persistent pain — so you can move with greater confidence, clarity, and ease in your body. You’ll learn how to:
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 Decode what your body’s signals really mean — so pain isn’t a mystery anymore
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 Spot patterns that may be contributing to flare-ups
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​  Make simple movement adjustments that actually help you feel better
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​  Gain tools that support smarter movement (not harder movement)
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… and walk into 2026 feeling more confident and grounded in your body.
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I designed this webinar especially for people who are tired of guessing, tired of confusion, and ready to move with intention — whether it’s navigating icy sidewalks or everyday life with less fear.
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 Save your spot here: https://www.lisaworkman.com/webinars.html​
Investment: $19.97 CAD (low-cost, high-impact support); Complimentary for members of The MedFit Movement Studio (join today!)
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It’s a perfect next step if you enjoyed today’s Real Move — and a way to give your movement even more meaning in the New Year.
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Take good care of your ankles… they’re carrying you through a lot right now.
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Be well and happy moving,
Lisa