How to Stretch Your Calves

May 15, 2021

710

Stretch Your Calves

Language specialists say the calf muscle may have gotten its name because its shape resembles a young bull. Minus the horns, we assume.

Warning: If you have been inactive for a length of time, or if you’ve had any recent surgery or physical problems, particularly of the muscles and joints, please consult your doctor before you start a stretching or exercise program.

Step 1: Face wall
Face the wall, standing a few feet away from it.

Step 2: Touch toes to wall
Step your right foot forward so its toes are touching the wall. Your left leg should remain straight, toes pointing forward.

Step 3: your left calf
Lean against the wall with your forearms and slowly shift your hips forward, keeping your lower back flat, until you feel an easy stretching in your left calf. Be sure to keep the left heel planted on the ground.

Step 4: Hold pose
Hold this pose for 10-30 seconds, making sure not to bounce or push to the point of pain.

Tip
Bend the back of your back knee slightly to ease the stretching.

Step 5: Repeat on right calf
Switch your legs and repeat the stretch on your right calf.

Step 6: Repeat on left calf
Switch your legs again and repeat the stretch on your left calf. This time go a bit further into the stretch until you feel a comfortable tension. Hold for up to 30 seconds.

Step 7: Repeat on right calf
Switch your legs again and repeat the stretch on your right calf. This time go a bit further into the stretch until you feel a comfortable tension. Hold for up to 30 seconds.

Step 8: Release stretching
Release the stretch. Your legs might be a little sleeker than a baby bull, but we like them anyway.