Properly engaging the feet will help improve stability and performance in just about any exercise where your feet touch the floor. That’s going to lead to more consistent technique and your ability to maintain better positions. It also helps distribute load. For example, if you have issues with tendonitis in your knee during a squat, learning how to ground the feet is one method of reducing stress on the affected tendon and getting back to pain free movement.

That’s why learning how to ground your foot is such a key skill to add to your repertoire in the gym.

Here is the basic technique:

And here’s a terrific drill to add into your warm-ups to practice foot activation in a more dynamic setting.

If you’re interested in some excellent drills to strengthen your feet, start here.