Standing calf stretch

This stretch supports ankle flexibility and comfortable walking and movement.
Intensity: Beginner
Recommended repetitions: 2-4 times

Before you get into your workout it’s important to warm up. Just 5 minutes of light activity is all you need. Things like:

Walking
Jogging on the spot
Pumping your arms
Shoulder rolls
Controlled punches
Circular ‘windmill’ arm movements in the air.

  1. Stand facing a wall, bench or desk and place your hands on it for support.
  2. Step one foot behind the other, keeping feet hip-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
  3. Press your back heel firmly into the floor and keep your back leg straight.
  4. Lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in the back of your outstretched lower leg. 
  5. Repeat on the opposite side. 

Exercise notes:  

To decrease the intensity of the stretch, reduce the distance between your feet.

To stretch the deeper part of your calf muscles, slightly bend your back knee.

To increase the intensity, step your back foot further behind you.

After your workout, cool down by following any of the above activities, again for 5 minutes. This is also a great time to stretch your muscles holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Make sure you hold at a point where you can feel the stretch but you shouldn’t feel discomfort or pain. Don’t bounce through these, just slow steady movements.

Disclaimer: If you have been inactive for a while, have heart disease, or a close relative with heart disease or if you have other major health problems, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor before following these workouts.

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