Calf Stretches

I know most of you have been taught to stretch the calf by pushing against the wall with your hands and placing the ankle at an acute angle. Though this is a very good way of stretching, the body like diversity when it comes to stretches and workout regimens. Problems with tight calves happen in almost all running and jumping sports, and anyone who has every had a cramp in the calf will tell you that they cannot perform at 100% for fear of tearing the musculature and getting a sprain/strain. Here is another way to target the calves for muscle lengthening. Step 1 – This stretch can be done against any wall, but it may help to do this near doorways where there is something for you to hold onto and pull. For this reason I tell people to face the frame of a doorway as if you were going to protect yourself in an earthquake. Step 2 – Place the foot of the calf to be stretched with the sole of the foot against the bottom of the frame. Step 3 – Holding the door frame for support, pull your pelvis closer to the frame. the resulting stretch should be held at least 20 seconds as it takes the fibers of the calf muscle a little more time to lengthen.

Stay healthy and active!