While we laud our core strength, leg muscles, as well as our back, for keeping us upright and stable, the role our ankles play is often overlooked. Not only do they keep us stable, but they also reduce the risk of injuries, strong ankles mean better athletic abilities, shock absorption and overall balance. If you are already worried about weak ankles and feeling unstable in your foundation, picking up a sport or exercises like strength training may not be a good idea. These things can lead your ankles to feel worse. So, to better your ankle health, you need a low impact exercise that is easy on movements but can help you get stronger. Here is where yoga comes into play. Yoga offers low-impact exercises that focus more on flow and movement. There are no movements that require you to jerk your joints or put too much pressure on them. How Yoga Benefits Your Ankles Yoga focuses on feet health, helps build the muscles strength present in them. These poses are done in a way that stretches the tight muscles, preventing any imbalances. When you are doing deep stretches, they help improve the blood flow to your feet and ankle. This relieves pain, reduces swelling as well as promoting faster healing. Here are some poses you should try. Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Begin by standing tall with your feet positioned hip-width apart. Distribute your body weight evenly across both feet and actively engage the muscles in your legs. Feel a connection to the ground beneath you, focusing on grounding firmly through your feet. Hold this pose for several breaths, noticing the strength and stability in your feet and ankles. Toe Stretch Sit comfortably on your heels, then gently tuck your toes underneath you. Slowly shift your weight backward, feeling a mild stretch along the soles of your feet. Maintain this position for a few breaths before releasing. Repeat this stretch several times, gradually increasing the duration as your flexibility improves. Ankle Circles Sit with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Place your hands comfortably beside your hips for support. Lift one foot slightly off the ground. Next, rotate your ankle in a circular motion. Perform ten circles in one direction, and then switch to the opposite direction. Repeat these movements with the other foot. This exercise is excellent for enhancing ankle mobility and flexibility. Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) Stand with your feet positioned wide apart. Turn your right foot outward and bend your right knee, ensuring it stays aligned directly over your ankle. Extend your arms out to the sides, parallel to the floor, like a warrior's stance. Find your balance and stability in your front foot as you hold this pose. Remember to repeat the same steps on the opposite side. Garland Pose (Malasana) Squat down with your feet placed hip-width apart and your heels firmly on the ground. Bring your palms together in front of your chest at your heart's centre. Gently press your elbows against your inner thighs, which helps to open your hips. Feel the stretch in your ankles and feet as you hold this pose for several breaths. Tree Pose (Vrksasana) Begin by standing tall and then carefully shift your body weight onto your left foot. Bend your right knee and place the sole of your right foot against your inner left thigh or calf. Find your point of balance and bring your hands together at your heart's center. Hold this pose for several breaths, then repeat the same steps on the other side. Tree pose is excellent for strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles while significantly improving your balance.