Calf Stretch

Easy on the Wrists Variation of Downward Dog Yoga Pose
How To

Strike a Yoga Pose: Quarter Dog

If you love the way Downward Facing Dog stretches out your hamstrings, calves, and lower back, but don't love the wrist pain the pose can cause, then here's a variation to try.
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If you love the way Downward Facing Dog stretches out your hamstrings, calves, and lower back, but don't love the wrist pain the pose can cause, then here's a variation to try. With your forearms on the ground, the Quarter Dog variation takes the weight out of your hands and wrists. Even though this pose seems relaxing, it's not as easy as it looks. This pose will not only intensely stretch the backs of your legs, but it's also a workout for your arms, shoulders, and upper back.

Sanskrit Name: Catur Svanasana
English Translation: Quarter Dog Pose
Also Called: Dolphin or Puppy

To learn how to do this pose.

Hip Flexor Stretch
How To

Stretch It: Foot and Hip Flexor Wall Stretch

Whether you run on the trail or the treadmill, your feet and hip flexors become so tight it can be uncomfortable to walk.
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Whether you run on the trail or the treadmill, your feet and hip flexors become so tight it can be uncomfortable to walk. To ease the tension, here's a stretch you can do that will not only target your tootsies and the front of your hips, but will also stretch out your tight calves.

  • Kneel on the ground and place your right toes on the wall as high as you can with your heel on the floor.
  • Place your hands on the ground on either side of your front thigh and step your left leg back, coming into a low lunge with your left knee on the floor. Keep your left foot flexed so you can stretch out this foot as well.
  • Gaze forward and press your hips forward to increase the stretch in your right foot and left hip flexor.
  • Hold for 30 seconds and then switch sides.
Stretch It: Calf and Shoulder Stretch Against a Wall
How To

Stretch It: Calf and Shoulder Stretch Against a Wall

I've been working on running up hills because it's so good for my booty, but my calves have been getting super sore too.
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I've been working on running up hills because it's so good for my booty, but my calves have been getting super sore too. I've been doing this stretch daily since it also stretches my shoulders.

  • Stand in front of a wall with your feet together. Place your hands on the wall shoulder-width apart.
  • Rock your weight back on your heels without locking your knees, so your toes get pulled off the ground. Reach your bum out as far as you can by lengthening through your spine. Tuck your chin to feel a deep stretch in the back of your neck.
  • Stay here for thirty seconds and then shift your weight forward, placing your toes back on the ground.
Stretch It: Calves
Fitness

Stretch It: Calves

The calf muscles get worked from just about every activity, from wearing killer heels to running.
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Stretch It: Calves

The calf muscles get worked from just about every activity, from wearing killer heels to running. It pays to know multiple ways to lengthen tight calves and here are five of my favorite stretches.


Source

Wall Calf Stretch Curb Stretch Downward Facing Dog Three Legged Dog Towel Calf Stretch
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Stretch It: Calves
How To

Stretch It: Calves

Tight calves can be an unwanted side effect of such opposite activities as running or wearing high heels.
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Tight calves can be an unwanted side effect of such opposite activities as running or wearing high heels. Many people neglect stretching their calves! Since you have two layers of calf muscles, you need to do two stretches to ensure you are reaching both.

So try these stretches after your next run or after a night of dancing in your Jimmy Choos.


Gastrocnemius Stretch

  • Place your hands on a wall, or if you are outside, on a tree!
  • Step your right foot back, bending the left knee (don't let the knee bend forward past the ankle).
  • Keep your right toes pointing straight ahead (people tend to turn their toes out to the side) and reach your heel into the ground.

Hold for 30 seconds


Soleus Stretch

  • Continue to keep your hands on the wall, but move your right foot in three to four inches.
  • Bend you right knee slightly and really anchor your right heel.
  • Shift your weight over your left foot and keep reaching down with your right heel to increase the stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds

Repeat both stretches on the left side. Stretch each side two to three times.

Fit's Tips: It is important to do these stretches in the above sequence. You need to stretch the bigger calf muscle before working deep to the soleus. Both these stretches are great for preventing plantar fasciitis.

Foot & Ankle Institute