In Ashtanga Yoga, in the Warrior I posture we ground the back heel.
One can practice the posture with what I like to call a ‘ferocious heel’, that is a grounded active heel that is pressing down.
This action brings the benefit of lengthening the muscles and connective tissues of the posterior compartment of the lower leg (calf muscles, achilles tendons) and the plantar fascia.
Note that if you practice your ‘ferocious heels’ while walking you may experience strong pelvic and spinal rotational forces (torque) giving a sense of a powerful, stable and more integrated walk. Enjoy your practice! Alain
