Exercise Tutorial: Calf Stretch
Table of Contents
What Is a Calf Stretch
A Calf Stretch is a stretch that targets the back of your lower leg. A Calf Stretch aims to lengthen the muscles to reduce tension and improve flexibility. Keep reading to learn how you can stretch this area of your body, and why it is beneficial to do so!
Calf Stretch Video
How to Do a Calf Stretch
To learn how to do a Calf Stretch, follow these quick and easy steps!
Begin in a quadruped position on the floor (wrists in line with the shoulders and knees aligned with the hips).
Raise your hips into the air by straightening your arms and legs. You will form an upside-down ‘V’ with your body.
Lift one foot off the ground and place it on the back of the ankle of the planted foot (make sure your heel is on the ground).
Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
You have now learned how to do a Calf Stretch!
Calf Stretch Form
When performing the Calf Stretch, you need to keep the leg that is begin stretched straight. This means that there is no bend at the knee. If you bend at the knee on the leg that is being stretched, you will reduce the efficacy of the stretch, and you might not feel a stretch at all!
Calf Stretch Benefits
It is important to stretch the Calf to avoid injuries to the Achilles and the Ankle. The Calf is the subject of a lot of blunt force, especially in sports that involve rapid changes of direction. Stretching the Calf is an appropriate way of keeping these muscles healthy and reducing your risk of injury. Calf stretches will also help to reduce any tightness in the back of the lower leg and prepare these muscles for movement.
Calf Stretch Muscles Worked
The Calf Stretch targets the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus. The Calf Stretch will also stretch the Achilles Tendon.
Why Is the Calf Stretch Useful
The Calf Stretch is useful because it targets both muscles in the Calf, the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus. These muscles are superficial and deep to one another and experience a lot of stress and tension from walking, running, cycling, jumping and more. Stretching out the Calf is important to not only keeping the muscles healthy, but also the Achilles Tendon which can rupture from overuse.
