Your ankles are probably one of the last body parts you think about when it comes to flexibility training. Ankle sprains and strains are common. Improving flexibility can help prevent injuries and can give you an edge in sports like swimming and soccer. Incorporate these ankle flexibility exercises into your next workout.

Start with the basics. A great beginner flexibility exercise is ankle circles. You can do this lying down or sitting in a chair. For the best results to improve flexibility, do these movements with your shoes off. First, simply rotate your right ankle in clockwise circles for ten repetitions, then move your ankle counterclockwise for ten reps. Switch to repeat these repetitions with your left ankle.

Another great ankle flexibility exercise begins with you positioning yourself in a seated posture on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Point your toes, trying to get them to touch the floor. Now flex your feet as far back toward your body as you can. Do this slowly for ten reps. Then rotate both ankles to the outside and then toward the inside (continuing out and in) for 10 reps. Repeat the entire sequence two to three times.

Finally, you can try a flexibility exercise that works on your toes, which can help your ankles to prevent foot cramps. Stay seated with your legs stretched out in front of you. Scrunch your toes, curling them down toward the ball of your foot tightly. Release. Repeat for ten reps. Next, spread your toes as far out and away from each other as you can. Rest. Repeat for ten reps. Do the entire sequence two to three times.