Calf Stretches
Muscles worked
- Calf
Form Cues
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Place the ball of your foot on an elevated surface or stair step
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Let your heel sink down slowly until you feel a stretch in the calf
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Hold onto a wall or railing for support if needed
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Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds
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Keep the knee of the stretched leg straight to target the gastrocnemius
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Bend the knee slightly to target the soleus
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Breathe calmly and evenly during the stretch
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Alternate between both legs
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Avoid jerky movements or overstretching
Progressions
01 Seated Calf Stretch
Box / Bench / Step / Chair / etc.
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Sit on the floor with one leg extended straight and the other bent
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Loop a strap or towel around the ball of your extended foot, keeping your knee straight
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Gently pull the strap towards you, flexing your foot to deepen the stretch in your calf
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Hold the position, breathing deeply and feeling the stretch in your calf muscle before switching sides
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02 Wall Calf Stretch
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Stand facing a wall with your hands placed against it for support
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Step one foot back, keeping the back leg straight and the front knee bent
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Adjust the distance from the wall until you feel a comfortable stretch in the calf of the back leg
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Hold the position, ensuring your back heel stays flat on the ground as you breathe deeply before switching sides
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03 Step Calf Stretch
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Stand in a split stance with one foot forward and the other leg extended back
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Keep the back leg straight while bending the front knee to lower your body
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Press your back heel down into the ground, feeling the stretch in the calf of the back leg
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Hold the position, maintaining control and stability, and repeat as needed
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Common mistakes
Built into a program made for you
Every exercise here adapts to your goals, equipment and schedule inside the app.