Toe-to-Toe Resistance Exercise for TMJ & Scoliosis

This exercise can be done in any position. My top 2 favorite positions are: 1) laying on my back in bed before bed; 2) sitting in the car, particularly at long red lights.

The Toe-to-Toe Resistance Exercise Goes Like This:

Step 1) Lay on your back (or any position that grounds your hips and should blades against a hard, flat surface).
Step 2) Put the tips of the inside edge of your big toes together. Push your toes together, trying really hard to pay attention to how much pressure each toe is contributing to the exercise. When I do this, my left toe is noticeably the weaker party. Eek. Anyway, figure out which is your weaker toe and make note.
Step 3) Put one toe slightly on top of the other (example: place left big toe about 1 cm over the right big toe).
Step 4) Push down with the top (left) toe on the bottom (right) toe. Simultaneously push upward with the bottom foot in an effort to keep both sides of leg muscles balanced. Try to realize which muscles you are working when you press down. Push down with the top toe for 5 in and out breaths.
Step 5) Change to push up the top (left) toe with the right (bottom) toe. Try to pay attention to how this tiny change feels so different in relation to your hips, inner thighs, and even your jaw. Push up the top toe for 5 in and out breaths.
Step 6) Repeat the exercise on the opposite side.

I would recommend starting this exercise right before bed. It's the easiest time because you already have an excuse to be laying down and on your back most likely doing nothing. Also, if you are trying to be clandestine, you could always leave your legs straight and complete the exercise. Hardly even noticeable, really.

Thanks website for the great picture of the "yogi grip." Please note, this is NOT A PHOTO OF THE EXERCISE!! I couldn't find an exact representation of the movement, so I decided to include this 'yogi grip' photo in lieu of it. More knowledge about the practice of yoga couldn't hurt, I'm thinking.

Anyway, I do the Toe-to-Toe Resistance Exercise in the car at long red lights, especially during rush hour. During rush hour, I'm generally annoyed and may even start to get a headache. By employing the Toe-to-Toe Resistance Exercise, I'm balancing the muscles of my inner thighs, booty, back, and neck. This results in immediate relief of not only the physical tension but also the stress of the day.

Take some nice deep breaths for as many rounds as you can (until the light turns back to green).

DISCLAIMER: Do not attempt to practice this exercise in the car if you are not someone that most people would consider to be a "reasonably prudent person" or if you seem to always be getting moving traffic violations. Be sure to PUT YOUR CAR IN PARK if you decide to participate in this exercise while stopped at a red light. This blog nor I claim any responsibility for the activities of those who do not heed this warning or employ common sense!