https://youtu.be/bf0y1gLKUYo
Tight CALVES? Try these stretches

The two muscles in the calfs that are being focused on in this video are the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. There main action is to bend the knee. 

1. Gastrocnemius

This muscles attaches to the achilles tendon and crosses the back of the knee. It is responsible for the more explosive movements such as jumping and sprinting

2. Soleus 

This muscle attaches to the achilles to just below the back of the knee. It is used more in endurance exercises such as long distance running. 

Both stretches are especially useful for runners and athletes. 

The 3 stretches are:

  1. Soleus stretch, standing: This stretch is done while standing and is easiest to be done using the wall to support you. Get into a lunge position and bend the back knee while keeping the heel on the ground. Hold for 30 seconds each side.
  2. Gastrocnemius stretch, standing: Find something to support yourself and get in a lunge position then keeping the back heel on the ground and the knee straight. Hold for 30 seconds each side.
  3. General calf stretch, floor: Using a towel, or a resistance band, wrap it under the balls of your feet and pull the foot towards you until the stretch is felt in the calf. Hold for 30 seconds each side.

PLEASE NOTE: As with all stretches these shouldn’t cause any pain, and if you’re feeling pain you should stop stretching immediately.

Categories Exercise, MASSAGE therapy, Stretches