FATIGUED LEGS BE GONE

With Christmas around the corner, you’ll want to flaunt your flgure in the latest outfits. And, if you’re planning to wear short dresses, this means making sure your legs and feet are in great condition. After all, they are subject to wear and tear every day – no thanks to activities like walking, running and even standing.

Yes, just standing puts stress on them. Your calf muscles make small adjustments to help you maintain balance while your legs and feet support your body’s weight with no resting period. Things get worse when you wear high heels as your weight shifts forward and puts a strain on your lower back.

Wait. We’re not asking you to put away your high heels or limit your movements. Rather, make time to pamper those parts with these tips to help you refresh tired limbs after a long day out.

● STRETCH THEM OUT

The downward-facing dog is one yoga pose that effectively relieves tightness in the calves and hamstrings. Here’s how to do it: With your hands and feet on the floor, push your bottom up and your heels down towards the ground. Keep your back as straight as possible. Hold for up to a minute and repeat five times.

● SOAK THE SORENESS AWAY

Prepare two basins of water – one with warm water, the other with cold water. Sitting on a comfortable chair, place your feet in the basin of cold water for five minutes and then in the one with warm water for the same duration. This helps to boost blood circulation.

● ELEVATE YOUR LEGS

Lie on your back and make sure they form a 45-degree angle from the ground. Place your heels against a wall. Stay in this position for about 15 minutes. Similar to the previous tip, this helps boost circulation in the legs and feet.

● MASSAGE YOUR FEET

Place a tennis or golf ball on a flat surface and position the arch of your foot on top of the ball. Roll your foot back and forth for instant relief.

● BUY LEG AND FOOT CARE PRODUCTS

Check out the specialised made-inJapan products from Kyusoku Jikan that effectively reduce tension in your limbs. There are three products that target different parts of your body, all of which are No. 1 selling product  in Japan.*

For aching calves, use Kyusoku Jikan Cooling Leg Gel Pad ($5.60 for a box of six; UP: $7.50). These moisture-rich stick-ons cool your legs through the vaporisation of water. They are also formulated with natura aromatic fragrances that soothe the senses.

For tired feet, get Kyusoku Jikan Cooling Foot Gel Pad ($14.20 for a box of 12; UP: $18.95). These stimulate acupressure points with the help of strategically-placed protrusions. Your feet will be energised in no time. And, like the leg gel pads, these foot pads are rich in moisture and formulated with natural aromatic fragrances.

As for the heels, they often get dry and rough, and Kyusoku Jikan Moisturizing Heel Gel Pad ($14.20 for a box of eight; UP: $18.95) has ingredients like fruit acids to remove dead skin cells, and jojoba oil to moisturise. The lavender and marigold fragrance elevates the entire experience.

You’ll be pleased to know that these products are gentle on the skin and easy to use. For best results, apply the leg and heel pads before you sleep. You’ll wake up in the morning with your limbs feeling refreshed.

*No. 1 selling cooling leg pad in Japan. Based on Lion Corporation Japan data (cooling leg pad category value sales, January 2013 to December 2016).