Calf stretches are important for relieving stress and aiding in the recovery process. Here are my favorite calf stretches.
Downward dog
Single-leg heel drop stretch
Standing toe touches
What Are Calf Stretches?
Calf stretches and stretches focus on targeting the calf.
They are incredible for aiding your flexibility and recovery.
To learn more about recovery CHECK OUT THIS ARTICLE.
From my experience, these stretches can be used right after your workout.
But don’t do these too much before your workout.
Why Should You Do Calf Stretches?
Firstly, calf stretches may help relieve your delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS.)
Secondly, it improves your calf muscle flexibility.
With better flexibility, you have more control over your range of motion reducing the risk of injury.
Best Calf Stretches.
Here are some calf stretches you may want to consider.
Downward Dog
Single-leg heel drop stretch
Standing toe touches
Downward Dog.
The downward dog helps to stretch and improve the flexibility of the calves and hamstrings.
In addition, the downward dog helps to improve the circulation to the legs.
How To Do The Downward Dog.
1. Start on your hands and legs forming a table top.
2. Now extend your legs out fully and your arms and legs should form a mountain.
3. Remember that your back and head should all be aligned to avoid injury.
Single-leg Heel Drop Stretch.
Single-leg heel drop stretch is beneficial for calves by:
- Injury prevention
Aiding in recovery
Stretches the muscle to allow oxygen and nutrients to help recover and build the muscles.
How To Do The Single-leg Heel Drop Stretch.
Step 1: Start by standing with proper posture on a raised platform, this could be a step stool, stairs, or any raised platform.
Step 2: Now, hang your target foot out a little more than halfway.
Now push down with enough pressure to feel the calf stretch but be mindful not push to too hard.
Over time you should see an improvement in the flexibility of your calf.
Standing Toe Touches.
Standing toe touches help with stretching the hamstrings as well as the calves and back.
It is a great option for improving your lower leg flexibility.
How To Do Standing Toe Touches.
Step 1: Start by standing upright with proper posture.
Step 2: Next keep your knees straight and reach towards your toes.
It should be noted that you should not try to force touching your toes if you can’t.
Over time and practice your flexibility will improve which will allow you to touch your toes.
Benefits From Doing Calf Stretches.
The benefits of doing calf stretches are; improved flexibility, better circulation, improved range of motion, and helps in recovery.
Conclusion.
Calf stretches are great for improving range of motion, recovery, and flexibility.
The 3 that I think have the most benefit for your calves are:
- Downward Dog
- Single-leg Heel Drop Stretch
Toe Touches
By no means are great calf stretches limited to this list, but be sure to check out our article on flexibility, CLICK HERE.
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