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Exercise handout — move better, feel better.
Rubber Band Toe Spread
Place a rubber band around all toes and spread them apart against resistance. Strengthens toe abductor muscles.
Stop if
Choose an easier exercise if pain reaches 6 out of 10 or becomes sharp. Stop and rest if pain reaches 8 out of 10.
This is the general ClapMove rule. This exercise has no extra stop rule of its own.
- Pain 6 out of 10 or more: choose an easier exercise.
- Pain 8 out of 10 or more: stop and rest.
Equipment needed
- Works at home
resistance_bands
Home Options
- rubber band + resistance band
- rubber band + small household item + resistance band
No equipment? Try: hair tie, small resistance loop
Dosage
3
Sets
15
Reps / Time
30 sec
Rest
2-3 sec hold
Tempo
Step-by-Step Guide
Set up
- Sit with foot accessible
- Loop a rubber band or hair tie around all five toes
- Band should provide light resistance
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 1 of 6
Start with toes together
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 2 of 6
Spread all toes apart against the band resistance
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 3 of 6
Try to create maximum space between toes
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 4 of 6
Hold for 2-3 seconds
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 5 of 6
Slowly let toes come back together
No image for this step. Follow the written instruction.
Step 6 of 6
Repeat
Breathing
- Exhale as you spread
- Breathe naturally during holds
Form Cues
- Spread like making a star with your toes
- Push especially with the big toe and little toe
- Hold the spread position
- Control the return
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too tight a band
- Not holding the spread
- Letting toes snap back
- Only spreading some toes
Safety Information
Very safe. Helpful for bunion management.
Progressions
Use thicker band, increase reps
Regressions
Use thinner band for less resistance
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Printed from clapmove.com. ClapMove is not a replacement for professional medical advice — always consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.