Healthy happy you.
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 Read more
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 Read more
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 Read more
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 Read more
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 Read more
High heels. You either love them or hate them, but you can't deny they are chic. We love the height boost and illusion of longer legs they offer, but we do realize they're not the best things for our feet. Unfortunately, recent research shows that these lovely shoes may be worse than previously thought. In a study of longtime high heel wearers, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Read more
FitSugar community member (and fitness instructor) livinginthin has shared a how-to on an overlooked exercise that everyone should be doing. Running, cycling, squatting, jumping, curling, crunches, and lunging — you do it all, right? Well, the one move you aren’t doing is probably the one that can keep you doing all those things (and more), pain and injury-free for a lifetime. What is it? Read more
Shin splints are the bane of many new runners. The tight calves that accompany mileage increases can spell pain for the lower leg. If running causes any discomfort, take time off to allow your shin splints to heal. But you need not sit idle on the sidelines while you recuperate: ice massages help, too. A serious runner, my Equinox trainer reminded me of the healing combo of ice and massage to Read more
The calves are one of the most overused muscles in the body, and tight ones can lead to overuse injuries. If you wear heels, run regularly, or both, stretching your calves is a must. Here are some great stretches for the calves. Try them all. Pick your fave. Then do it daily. Source Read more
We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Fitness Magazine here on FitSugar! Baby, it's cold outside! But for those of us training, sans gym membership, or just yearning for some fresh air, we can't let the chilly weather keep us from an outdoor workout. If you find your morning runs too cold, have achy joints, or just want to make it through a run without wiping out, we hear you! Read more
