Calf

Individuals with tight calves are more susceptible to injuries such as Calf Strains, Ankle Sprains, Achilles tendonitis/Tears, and Plantar Fasciitis.

But! Did you know that the calf is actually comprised of 2 major muscles, each requiring its own unique stretch?

Many individuals have familiarity with stretching the larger, more superficial gastrocnemius muscle. However, the deeply situated soleus muscle tends to be overlooked. Work on them both to maximize overall calf flexibility and ankle mobility!

Gastrocnemius Stretch:
1️⃣ Stand up nice and tall, with your hands placed on a wall in front of you
2️⃣ Take a step backwards with the leg to be stretched, while keeping the other leg in front of it
3️⃣ Bend through the knee of the front leg, while keeping the back leg straight
4️⃣ Ensure that toes are pointed straight ahead, and that the heel does not lift up off the ground
5️⃣ Lean forward through the hips until a stretch is felt in the back of your leg
6️⃣ Hold x 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times

Soleus Stretch:
1️⃣ From the starting position of the aforementioned gastrocnemius stretch, take half a step forward with the back leg
2️⃣ Bend through both knees, allowing your body to shift downward
3️⃣ Ensure that toes are pointed straight ahead, and that the heel does not lift up off the ground
4️⃣ Lean forward through the hips until a stretch is felt, lower than where it was felt while stretching the gastrocnemius
5️⃣ Hold x 20 seconds. Repeat 3 times.