realskiers

Let's keep this dialogue going for a while.

When I read jbotti's OP, a light bulb went off in my head. While the post discussed the "flexibility" aspects of the exercises, I recognized trying the exercises as an opportunity to learn, strengthen and train the small muscles in the feet. My post simply deals with training these muscles and has nothing to do with flexing the joint while in a ski boot. At Holimount last winter, Gary was showing me his foot exercises and discussing the benefits and I concur with his comments. I've performed John's drills a couple of times now and not gotten to 40 revolutions without way too much pain and cramping. It's very clear that the muscles of the feet and lower leg are being engaged. The pointing drills also stretch the Achilles tendon.

Jbotti and I are both PMTS skiers, therefore, so we try to obtain high edge angles and use more rigid boot skiers to facilitate tipping. Throughout his books and posts, Harald teaches thinking about and using the small muscles of the feet to get to higher angles. In my TV area, I keep an old pair of Solly easy entry ski boots, and, will put them on to practice tipping drills (when my wife isn't looking). I'm convinced the trying to roll the outside of my foot, while in a ski boot, into an edged position is the best way to bring knees and hips into the body positions I'm trying to create. I would argue it's almost impossible to perform slow tipping drills without actively using your feet muscles. So take the Mike challenge, put on ski boots and see what your body tells you.

So, I would concur with John's OP that his skiing was improved following these exercises. We all talk about ski specific muscles that need the actual "time on hill" hours to support better skiing, and, the muscles of my feet are often tired very early.

Do I over analyze, certainly. But it's fair to argue that in the real world many people "dumb down" complex issues, and, I think it's fair to offer a counter point.